Founder Profile
Melvin Simon
Last reviewed: October 2026 · By Swet Parvadiya
Who is Melvin Simon?
Melvin Simon is a founder of Simon Property Group, Inc., which was founded in 1960 with Herbert Simon.
- Company founded
- Simon Property Group, Inc.
- Founded
- 1960
- Co-founders
- Herbert Simon
Background
A leasing agent who moved to Indianapolis after U.S. Army service, Melvin Simon started developing shopping centers with his brothers in 1960.
Founding Story
Melvin Simon (1926-2009) co-founded Melvin Simon & Associates in 1960, the business that became Simon Property Group. He led its growth from strip centers to enclosed regional malls, co-developed Mall of America, took the company public in 1993 and served as co-chairman until his death in 2009. He also produced films including Porky's and, with Herbert, bought the NBA's Indiana Pacers in 1983. Melvin Simon was born in 1926.