Taubman Centers names new CFO

Taubman Centers named Simon J. Leopold, treasurer and executive VP, capital markets, as CFO, effective Jan. 1.



Leopold will succeed current CFO Lisa A. Payne, who will continue as vice chairman until she leaves the company in March. Payne has been with the shopping center development and management company since 1997. Earlier, she was a vice president of Goldman, Sachs & Co.’s investment banking division.



“Lisa has been a powerful contributor to Taubman's growth strategy and financial strength, as well as a highly respected and admired people leader,” said chairman, president and CEO Robert S. Taubman. “We are grateful for her years of service and loyalty, and for her acumen that has helped to propel our business forward for nearly two decades.”



Leopold joined Taubman in 2012 and has since been responsible for Taubman’s capital markets and financing activities, corporate tax and treasury, and real estate acquisitions and dispositions.



Last year, he was the architect of the sale of seven of Taubman’s shopping centers to Starwood Capital Group.