Simon Allen

Simon Allen joined the university in May 2024 and serves as vice president for finance and chief financial officer.

Allen has direct responsibility for the oversight and management of the university’s key financial operations, including budget and financial planning, capital financing, financial reporting, treasury management, accounting, university bursar, insurance, payroll, travel, procurement, and tax. 

He provides leadership and oversight to strategic and financial planning, ensures overall management and integrity of the university's budget, provides guidance for university business and financial initiatives, represents the university in its relationships with its affiliated organizations, and engages in the processes of obtaining new resources and allocating resources such that goals and objectives are accomplished consistent with the university’s mission.

Allen previously served as Cornell University’s vice president for finance and chief financial officer, where he was responsible for the university treasurer, bursar and controller’s offices, procurement and contract management, as well as other insurance, asset, and real estate functions. He oversaw an annual operating budget of approximately $6 billion, net assets of $14 billion, a debt portfolio of $1.9 billion, and approximately $1 billion in capital assets while providing oversight support for the university’s three campuses in Ithaca, New York, and New York City.

Prior to his career in higher education, Allen was employed in the finance sector, most recently as the U.S. managing director of real estate private equity for leading European asset management firm Amundi Asset Management. He was responsible for all financial analysis and implementing a data-centric approach to financial operation and decision-making.

Allen earned an MBA with concentrations in finance and economics from the University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom; a master’s degree in environmental management from Duke University; and a Bachelor of Science in urban estate management from the University of Westminster, London.