Herb Simon

Early Life

Herb Simon was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, on October 23, 1934. He grew up in the Bronx, the son of a Jewish tailor who had emigrated from Central Europe. Simon graduated from the City College of New York with a B.B.A. in Business.

Rise to Success

In 1960, Herb Simon and his brother Melvin co-founded the precursor to Simon Property Group. Over the years, Simon Property Group grew to become one of the largest real estate investment trusts globally, with a vast portfolio of properties. Simon served as the chairman emeritus until his retirement in February 2025. Herb and his brother Melvin bought the Indiana Pacers in 1983.

Key Business Strategies

Simon's success is attributed to strategic investments in real estate and his ability to identify and capitalize on market opportunities. His company's focus on premier shopping, dining, entertainment, and mixed-use destinations has generated billions in annual sales. Simon's ownership of the Indiana Pacers has also been a key factor in his success, with the team now worth billions.

Philanthropy

Herb Simon and his family are involved in various philanthropic efforts through the Herbert Simon Family Foundation. The foundation supports organizations with the goal of creating equitable, sustainable, and vibrant communities, with an emphasis on Central Indiana.