Distinguished Leaders: A Conversation with Simon Ziff, President of Ackman-Ziff

Simon Ziff serves as president of Ackman-Ziff, a position he assumed in 1995. Since joining the firm as an Analyst in 1989, Simon has overseen the arrangement of 100+ billion of debt, mezzanine, and equity financings for some of the nation’s foremost real estate developers and owners while simultaneously solidifying the firm’s relationships with key capital sources. He engineered the firm’s unique, collaborative culture and directed AZ’s evolution as an industry thought leader with over 50 professionals.  

Simon received a B.S. in Finance from The Pennsylvania State University and an M.S. in Real Estate Finance from NYU. He has been recognized on multiple occasions by Penn State and NYU, as well as being awarded REBNY’s first “Most Promising Commercial Salesperson” award, the “Most Ingenious Deal of the Year” award six times and winning the prestigious Louis Smadbeck award. Simon has also been active in many leadership roles for universities and not-for-profit organizations.

This conversation will be moderated by Christopher Munsell, Glascock Associate Professor of Professional Practice of Real Estate Development Finance.

Organized by the MS in Real Estate Development program as part of the MSRED Distinguished Speaker Series.