Simon Reuben

Born in Bombay in May 1941, Simon Reuben grew up in Britain. He began in carpets before investing in property; a 2003 Independent profile dates his involvement in property to 1970. He subsequently worked with David in Trans-World’s metals business.⁠[3][2][4]

Trans-World expanded into Russia and Kazakhstan in the 1990s, with aluminum an important business. The brothers sold their Russian interests in 2000 and subsequently concentrated more on property and private equity.⁠[2][4]

The Reuben Foundation was established in 2002 with an initial US$100 million endowment for education, healthcare and community work. Companies House records Simon’s appointment as a director on July 9, 2002.⁠[5][3]

In 2012, the foundation established an Oxford scholarship program for undergraduates from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds.⁠[6]

Aldersgate Investments, a Reuben Brothers company, began selling Global Switch shares in 2016. The data-center operator’s annual report records the sale of the remaining 24.01% to Shagang Group for £1.8 billion on August 23, 2019, completing Aldersgate’s exit. Simon Reuben subsequently resigned from the board.⁠[7][8]

The foundation’s £80 million gift in 2020 supported Reuben College, graduate scholarships and expanded undergraduate aid. The college was previously called Parks College.⁠[6]

On October 7, 2021, a consortium of PIF, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media completed its acquisition of Newcastle United. The club named David’s son Jamie Reuben as the director representing RB Sports & Media.⁠[9][10]

David and Simon received the Sheldon Medal at the Oxford Martin School on October 27, 2022, recognizing their support for Oxford students and Reuben College. It is the university’s highest honor for benefactors.⁠[11][6]

Newcastle announced on July 12, 2024 that PIF and RB Sports & Media had agreed to acquire PCP’s interest, with anticipated holdings of approximately 85% and 15%. As of October 2026, its corporate information names PIF and RB Sports & Media as owners and identifies Jamie Reuben as the latter’s ultimate beneficial owner.⁠[12][13]

In October 2026, The Independent cited a combined fortune of almost £28 billion for the brothers, second in that year’s Sunday Times Rich List. This is not Simon’s individual net worth. Forbes lists his residence as Monaco.⁠[14][2]

Reuben Brothers: Official website: https://www.reubenbrothers.com/ (opens in a new window).⁠[1]

Reuben Foundation: Official website: https://www.reubenbrothers.com/the-reuben-foundation/ (opens in a new window).⁠[5]

Global Switch: Official website: https://www.globalswitch.com/ (opens in a new window).⁠[8]