“I build people up instead of breaking them down.”
Gregory Ian Simon is a distinguished executive leader whose career reflects more than three decades of excellence at the intersection of real estate, law, and institutional investment. Known for his ability to seamlessly integrate operational leadership with legal and governance expertise, Greg has built a reputation as a trusted advisor, strategic thinker, and results-driven executive. His professional journey is defined by a consistent ability to elevate organizations, guide complex transactions, and create long-term value for stakeholders.
Currently serving as Chief Operating Officer and General Counsel at Halpern Real Estate Ventures, Greg operates at the highest levels of executive leadership. In this dual capacity, he oversees the firm’s operational framework while simultaneously managing its legal, compliance, and investor relations functions. His leadership is instrumental in structuring and executing sophisticated real estate transactions, including acquisitions, dispositions, financings, joint ventures, and recapitalizations. Through this role, Greg has demonstrated a unique ability to balance strategic vision with disciplined execution.
Halpern Real Estate Ventures, a firm focused on development and investment in major metropolitan markets, has benefited significantly from Greg’s leadership. His work spans high-growth regions and Opportunity Zone investments, where he plays a critical role in aligning operational priorities with regulatory requirements and investor expectations. Greg’s oversight ensures that projects are not only financially sound but also strategically positioned for long-term success.
Prior to his current role, Greg held senior leadership positions at Avenue Capital Group, a globally recognized investment firm. As Senior Vice President, he was deeply involved in managing real estate investment strategies, overseeing asset management, and leading transactional initiatives. His ability to navigate complex financial structures and execute large-scale deals positioned him as a key contributor to the firm’s real estate platform.
Simultaneously, Greg served as Executive Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary of ACRE Realty Investors Inc., a publicly traded REIT. In this capacity, he was responsible for overseeing all legal, regulatory, and governance matters, including SEC reporting and board relations. His role required a high level of precision, integrity, and strategic insight, particularly as the company underwent transformation through a focus on acquisitions and ultimately navigated a voluntary dissolution process.
Earlier in his career, Greg served as Senior Vice President at Glenmont Capital Management, where he led asset management and legal functions for institutionally backed real estate funds. His work focused on opportunistic investments across multiple asset classes, with particular emphasis on multifamily and hospitality sectors. This experience further solidified his deep understanding of the full lifecycle of real estate investments, from acquisition through disposition.
Greg’s foundation in law was established through his work as Counsel at prominent law firms, including Herrick, Feinstein LLP and Hogan & Hartson LLP. During this time, he represented developers, investors, lenders, and corporations in complex real estate transactions. His legal practice emphasized acquisitions, sales, leasing, development, and joint ventures and financings providing him with a strong technical base that continues to inform his executive decision-making today.
Academically, Greg holds a Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law at the Illinois Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Emory University. He was admitted to the New York Bar in 1993, marking the beginning of a legal career that would evolve into a multifaceted executive trajectory. His education and early professional experiences laid the groundwork for his ability to navigate both legal and business challenges with equal proficiency.
Beyond his executive roles, Greg has been actively involved in governance and advisory capacities. He currently serves on a luxury condominium board and has previously contributed to advisory committees for various real estate funds. His experience on investment committees and advisory boards has given him a nuanced understanding of board dynamics, stakeholder alignment, and strategic oversight.
Greg’s international exposure includes working with Chinese and Italian investment partners, reflecting his ability to operate effectively in global contexts. His communication style, combined with his cultural awareness, allows him to build strong relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. Whether engaging with investors, partners, or board members, Greg brings clarity, confidence, and credibility to every interaction.
On a personal level, Greg is guided by a leadership philosophy centered on empowerment and integrity. His motto, “I build people up instead of breaking them down,” reflects his commitment to fostering collaborative environments and developing strong teams. Outside of his professional life, he values time with his family and enjoys playing tennis, maintaining a balance that supports both personal fulfillment and professional performance.
As he seeks to expand his impact through board service, Greg brings a wealth of experience as both a strategic advisor and an operational leader. His ability to contribute at both the governance and execution levels makes him an exceptional candidate for organizations navigating growth, transformation, or complexity. With a career defined by integrity, expertise, and leadership, Greg Simon continues to position himself as a valuable asset in any boardroom.
Character:
Greg exemplifies integrity and professionalism in every aspect of his career, consistently demonstrating a commitment to ethical leadership and responsible decision-making. He fosters trust through transparency and reliability, earning the confidence of colleagues, investors, and board members alike. His leadership philosophy emphasizes respect, mentorship, and the development of others, creating a positive and empowering environment.
Knowledge:
He possesses deep expertise across real estate, law, and institutional investment, supported by over 30 years of hands-on experience. His comprehensive understanding of complex transactions, regulatory frameworks, and asset management enables him to navigate challenges with confidence and precision. He continuously applies his knowledge to drive informed decisions that align with both strategic goals and compliance requirements.
Strategic:
Greg is a forward-thinking strategist who excels at aligning operational execution with long-term vision. He brings a disciplined approach to evaluating opportunities, managing risk, and driving sustainable growth. His ability to see the broader picture while managing intricate details makes him a valuable contributor to high-level decision-making and organizational direction.
Communication:
An effective communicator who conveys complex ideas with clarity and confidence. He engages stakeholders at all levels, from investors to board members, ensuring alignment and understanding. His ability to listen, articulate, and influence enables him to build strong relationships and drive collaborative outcomes.
