Thomas Pritzker Steps Down From Hyatt Board After Epstein Revelations/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Thomas Pritzker announced his immediate retirement as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation after documents revealed communications with Jeffrey Epstein. Pritzker said he “deeply regrets” maintaining contact with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian will assume the chairman role.
Thomas Pritzker Hyatt Epstein Resignation Quick Looks
- Immediate retirement as executive chairman
- Will not seek re-election to Hyatt board
- Expressed “deep sorrow” for victims
- Emails revealed in DOJ document release
- Hyatt operates 1,500+ properties globally
- Broader fallout continues for prominent figures
Deep Look: Thomas Pritzker Steps Down From Hyatt Board Over Epstein Association
Thomas Pritzker, longtime executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, has stepped down following the release of documents detailing his communications with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
In a statement announcing his retirement, Pritzker said he “deeply regrets” his association with Epstein and Epstein’s longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell.
“I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner,” Pritzker said. He added that he condemns the actions and harm caused by Epstein and Maxwell and expressed sorrow for the victims.
Emails Revealed in DOJ Release
The resignation follows the publication of newly released documents by the U.S. Department of Justice as part of its broader review of Epstein-related materials. The files reportedly include numerous emails between Pritzker and Epstein, some referencing invitations to dinners and social events.
Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.
Pritzker did not address specific communications but acknowledged that maintaining contact with Epstein represented a serious lapse in judgment.
Leadership Transition at Hyatt
Pritzker, 75, served as executive chairman of Hyatt for more than two decades and played a key role in shaping the company’s global growth strategy.
His retirement is effective immediately. Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt’s chief executive officer, will take on the additional role of chairman. Pritzker also confirmed that he will not stand for re-election at the company’s upcoming annual shareholders meeting.
Founded in 1957, Hyatt now operates more than 1,500 hotels and all-inclusive resorts in over 80 countries.
Pritzker is also a cousin of JB Pritzker, the Democratic governor of Illinois.
Wider Fallout From Epstein Ties
The Hyatt leadership change is the latest in a series of high-profile resignations tied to associations with Epstein.
In recent weeks, executives across finance, law, and global logistics have stepped down after similar disclosures surfaced. Institutions have faced mounting pressure from investors, clients, and advocacy groups to distance themselves from individuals linked to Epstein’s social network.
The broader scrutiny reflects ongoing public and political interest in understanding the extent of Epstein’s connections to influential figures across business and government.
While Pritzker emphasized that he condemns Epstein’s crimes and supports victims, his departure underscores how reputational risks tied to past associations continue to reshape leadership at major corporations.
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