Thomas Pritzker steps down from Hyatt after Epstein links surface in US files. Photos: X.
Billionaire businessman Thomas Pritzker announced Monday that he is stepping down as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation following revelations about his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in documents recently released by the US Justice Department.
Pritzker, who has served as executive chairman since 2004, also confirmed he will not seek re-election to the company’s board.
In a public statement, Pritzker acknowledged his past contact with Epstein and Epstein associate Ghislaine Maxwell, expressing remorse over the relationship.
“Good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which I deeply regret,” he said.
“I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner.”
Among the examples cited in the files was a 2018 interaction in which Epstein sought Pritzker’s assistance with hotel reservations for a woman traveling across Asia who was reportedly his girlfriend.
When Pritzker asked about her plans, the woman wrote in an email, “going to try to find a new girlfriend for Jeffrey.”
Pritzker responded, “may the Force be with you,” accompanied by a smiley face emoji.
Following Pritzker’s decision, Hyatt’s board appointed company president and CEO Mark Hoplamazian as chairman, effective immediately.
Thomas Pritzker is a member of the prominent Pritzker family of Chicago, known for significant business holdings and political influence. He is one of thirteen heirs to the family fortune.
His father, Jay Pritzker, acquired the first Hyatt property in 1957 and spent decades building what would become a global hotel empire.
Born in 1950, Pritzker played a central role in expanding Hyatt into one of the world’s most recognizable hospitality brands, with hundreds of properties across six continents, including luxury resorts, lifestyle hotels, and business accommodations.
During his tenure as executive chairman and long-serving board leader, he oversaw major expansions and strategic acquisitions. He also managed the family’s private investment arm, the Pritzker Organization, and served on boards of several influential corporate and policy institutions.
Zubair Amin is a Senior Journalist at NewsX with over seven years of experience in reporting and editorial work. He has written for leading national and international publications, including Foreign Policy Magazine, Al Jazeera, The Economic Times, The Indian Express, The Wire, Article 14, Mongabay, News9, among others. His primary focus is on international affairs, with a strong interest in US politics and policy. He also writes on West Asia, Indian polity, and constitutional issues. Zubair tweets at zubaiyr.amin
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