Simon spent 17 years at Marriott Hotels & Resorts and is widely known as an influential leader in the hospitality industry. His leadership was instrumental in the globalization of Marriott’s operations ushering in an exciting chapter of growth. Since taking the helm in 2010 as President & Managing Director Marriott Asia Pacific, Simon led the operating performance and growth of Asia Pacific which included more than 173 properties and 70 hotels under construction represented by The Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Marriott, Renaissance, Courtyard and Marriott Executive Apartments brands.

Prior to his role in Asia Pacific, Simon was President and Chief Operating Officer for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company. Under his leadership, the brand realized significant growth and initiated new products: The Ritz-Carlton Residences and The Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Also during this period of time, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company earned the highest accolades from organizations such as The Luxury Institute and J. D Power and Associates. In 2009, Ritz-Carlton won the World Saver Award from Conde Nast for its Community Footprints program.

Simon joined Marriott International in 1998 as President of Marriott Lodging Canada. Prior to joining Marriott, Simon served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Delta Hotels and Resorts, and as Executive Vice President of OMNI Hotels USA.

Industry, Public Service and Awards

Simon has been a very active leader in industry and public service. He recently taught an MBA course in Global Leadership at the Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. In 2008, Simon was named “Corporate Hotelier of the World” by HOTELS magazine. The award determined by votes cast by more than 60,000 readers in 170 countries.

Among his many professional honors, Simon has served as Chairman of the Board of Governors for the University of Guelph, Trustee of the Educational Institute of the American Hotel and Motel Association, Director of the Canadian Tourism Commission. He served on the Board of Directors of the Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum. In 2004, he was appointed to the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, Canada Institute Advisory Board. From 2006 to 2010, Simon served on the Board of First Horizon National (First Tennessee Bank). Simon is presently lead consultant to many hospitality projects in the USA and abroad.

Simon earned an MBA from the University of Toronto and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Guelph University.