President & CEO, Lion Development Group

Michael Simkins, President and CEO of Lion Development Group, is leading one of the most significant projects to hit Miami in the 21stcentury. Lion Development Group will transform an underutilized 10-acre property spanning 4 blocks in downtown Miami into a 24-hour thriving, global, connected “live-work-play” ecosystem for innovation and entrepreneurship. The company specializes in world-class development and redevelopment projects in communities centered on the intersection of technology, culture, and the arts.

As a local, Mr. Simkins is tirelessly dedicated to spearheading Miami’s exponential growth. The Simkins family, with deep South Florida roots that span decades, is highly respected for supporting collaborative, community-based projects that drive sustainable economic growth and bring global visibility to the region. The family and Mr. Simkins himself are involved with various local philanthropic initiatives including juvenile diabetes research – a cause dear to both his wife and mother. He also serves as a board member of the Miami Jewish Federation and Miami Beach JCC as well as the Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO).

Mr. Simkins, the youngest of five children, was born and raised in Miami Beach and attended Ransom Everglades and later the University of Miami, where he received a degree in finance. He obtained a law degree from Brooklyn Law School and practiced real estate law at Akerman Senterfitt until 2007 when he decided to pursue his passion for real estate investment and development.

He has been married for 12 years to his high school sweetheart, Nicole Simkins, and has three children, son Eli (6), daughter Jaden (9), and baby Harper, who was born in September 2015. In his spare time, he enjoys surfing, cycling and traveling with his family.