NetWorth
LeaderPortfolio
Simon
Herb Simon
Rank #577
UNITED STATES•Diversified•Real estate

Herb Simon

Net Worth
$6.769B
+0.13% (24h)
Herb Simon is an American real estate developer and sports team owner, best known as the co-founder of Simon Property Group, the largest real estate investment trust in the United States. Born in New York City, Simon, along with his brother Melvin, built a real estate empire by developing shopping malls. His career includes significant contributions to the revitalization of downtown Indianapolis. Simon is also the owner of the Indiana Pacers and the Indiana Fever.

How to read Herb Simon's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Herb Simon, we anchor the narrative to Real estate and Real estate, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $6.769B alongside global rank #577, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (UNITED STATES) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Herb Simon was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, on October 23, 1934, to a Jewish family. His father was a tailor who emigrated from Central Europe. Simon graduated from the City College of New York with a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.).

Rise to Success

In 1960, Herb Simon and his brother Melvin founded Melvin Simon & Associates, which later became Simon Property Group. The company initially focused on developing strip malls, expanding into enclosed shopping centers. Under their leadership, the company grew into the world's largest retail real estate investment trust (REIT). Simon served as co-chairman until 2007 and remained chairman emeritus until February 2025.

Key Business Strategies

The success of Simon Property Group is attributed to strategic acquisitions and expansion. The company went public in 1993, becoming the largest REIT at that time. Simon's leadership included aggressive renovations and mergers, including the merger with DeBartolo Realty Corporation in 1996. By 2024, Simon Property Group owned or had interests in 232 properties.

Philanthropy

Simon is also known for his philanthropy, particularly through the Herbert Simon Family Foundation, which supports organizations in central Indiana. The foundation's focus areas include arts and culture, basic needs, environment and climate, and social justice.

Career Timeline

2025

Retired as chairman emeritus

Retired from his position at Simon Property Group.

1999

Founded the Indiana Fever

Founded the WNBA team.

1995

CEO of Simon Property Group

His nephew David Simon became the CEO, ensuring family continuity in the business.

1983

Purchased the Indiana Pacers

Bought the NBA team with his brother, saving it from relocation and becoming the league's longest-tenured owner.

1960

Founded Melvin Simon & Associates

Co-founded the precursor to Simon Property Group with his brother Melvin.

Philanthropic Impact

Philanthropy$31M

Herbert Simon Family Foundation

Supports organizations in Central Indiana with a focus on arts and culture, basic needs, environment and climate, and social justice.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Simon Property Group10.00%$5.79M

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Herb Simon was born in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, New York, on October 23, 1934, to a Jewish family. His father was a tailor who emigrated from Central Europe. Simon graduated from the City College of New York with a Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A.).

Rise to Success

In 1960, Herb Simon and his brother Melvin founded Melvin Simon & Associates, which later became Simon Property Group. The company initially focused on developing strip malls, expanding into enclosed shopping centers. Under their leadership, the company grew into the world's largest retail real estate investment trust (REIT). Simon served as co-chairman until 2007 and remained chairman emeritus until February 2025.

Key Business Strategies

The success of Simon Property Group is attributed to strategic acquisitions and expansion. The company went public in 1993, becoming the largest REIT at that time. Simon's leadership included aggressive renovations and mergers, including the merger with DeBartolo Realty Corporation in 1996. By 2024, Simon Property Group owned or had interests in 232 properties.

Philanthropy

Simon is also known for his philanthropy, particularly through the Herbert Simon Family Foundation, which supports organizations in central Indiana. The foundation's focus areas include arts and culture, basic needs, environment and climate, and social justice.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Herb Simon are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.

You may also like

HubAll BillionairesHubGlobal RankingsHubNewsroom