Simon was educated at Adelaide University and Flinders University in South Australia, achieving a First Class Honours Degree in literature and film, and at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, gaining an MA in politics, economics and law.

Following some time working in the legal sector and at the Royal Asiatic Society, Simon joined the Wolfson Foundation in 2001, where he is currently Director of Grants. In this role, he manages a grants portfolio of some £103 million in current grants, and works closely with the Chief Executive and Trustees in formulating the Foundation’s funding strategy.