Herbert 'Herb' Simon is an American businessman, the billionaire Chairman Emeritus and co-founder of Simon Property Group (NYSE: SPG), the global leader in retail real estate ownership, management, and development. Born in New York City, in 1934, he grew up in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the son of a tailor who emigrated from Central Europe.

Simon graduated from the City College of New York with a B.B.A. in Business. His career is defined by his high-level expertise in commercial real estate and his high-profile ownership of a professional sports franchise. In 1960, he and his brothers, Melvin (d. 2009) and Fred, founded Melvin Simon & Associates, becoming one of the earliest pioneers of the shopping mall industry.

Herb Simon's strategic leadership guided the family's private company to become a national force in real estate development. The decisive financial event occurred in 1993 when Simon Property Group was formed through an Initial Public Offering (IPO), becoming the largest REIT IPO in U.S. history at that time. Simon Property Group is now an S&P 100 company and a global leader in retail real estate across North America, Europe, and Asia.

His most visible diversification is in sports ownership: in 1983, he and his brother Melvin purchased the NBA franchise Indiana Pacers, ensuring the team remained in Indianapolis. He continues as the Owner of the Indiana Pacers and the Indiana Fever (WNBA). Simon stepped down from the Chairman role and currently serves as Chairman Emeritus. His wealth is tied to the colossal, long-term appreciation of his real estate holdings and the continuous profitability of the retail real estate sector.

Herb Simon's social impact is structural, stemming from Simon Property Group's role in shaping the U.S. retail landscape and developing numerous commercial and urban centers. His most significant civic contribution is his ownership of the Indiana Pacers, stabilizing the team's presence in Indianapolis.

His personal philanthropy supports various educational, cultural, and community initiatives. His career is a testament to the profitability of disciplined, strategic investment in commercial real estate and the profound value of sports ownership for local community stability.

Herb Simon maintains the professional, composed style of a real estate executive. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored suits. His aesthetic reflects stability and confident authority, blending the business world with his high-profile sports ownership.

Residing in Indianapolis, Indiana, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to commercial real estate development, professional sports management, and his passion for the arts and cultural institutions.