David Simon, born in 1965, is the CEO of Simon Property Group, which is a major player in retail real estate. He has been at the helm since 1995, overseeing the company's growth and strategic acquisitions. In 2023, Simon's compensation...

David Simon, born in 1965, is the CEO of Simon Property Group, which is a major player in retail real estate. He has been at the helm since 1995, overseeing the company's growth and strategic acquisitions. In 2023, Simon's compensation was notably high, reaching over $15 million, which includes a salary of $1.25 million and a performance-based bonus of $4 million. His performance strongly influences this pay package, with a focus on funds from operations (FFO) and net income growth. Interestingly, in 2022, his bonus hit an impressive $28 million due to extraordinary efforts in company success. Simon attended the University of Maryland for his undergraduate degree and has worked in the family business before stepping into leadership roles at Simon Property Group. He also maintains significant holdings in the company, with 28.79 million shares owned, translating to about 8.11% of the total company shares. This deep involvement aligns his interests closely with the company’s performance. Beyond numbers, Simon follows diverse governance practices, showing transparency in dealings and promoting diversity on the Board. He also has deep family ties in the business, being connected to Melvin Simon & Associates, which highlights his commitment to both the family legacy and corporate principles. Simon is recognized for his hands-on style, which includes engaging with shareholders and ensuring that the company's governance reflects long-term interests, setting a solid foundation for retail real estate.