Who Is Thomas Pritzker? Hyatt Executive Chairman Steps Down Amid Epstein Fallout

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 06:52 IST

Thomas Pritzker said he was stepping aside to shield Hyatt from reputational harm, acknowledging what he called a serious lapse in judgment.

Thomas Pritzker, the billionaire scion who transformed Hyatt Hotels into a global hospitality empire, resigned as executive chairman, citing deep regret over his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. In a letter to Hyatt’s board, the 75-year-old Pritzker said he was stepping aside to shield the company from further reputational harm, acknowledging what he called a serious lapse in judgment: maintaining contact with Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell years after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea to soliciting a minor for prostitution.

“Good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which I deeply regret," Pritzker said, continuing, “I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner."

Read more: ‘I Have Nothing To Hide’: Trump Denies Epstein Links, Says He Was ‘Totally Exonerated’

The resignation follows the release of Justice Department files that revealed Pritzker’s continued relationship with Epstein extended well beyond the financier’s conviction. One email exchange from 2018, reported by CNN, proved particularly damaging. In it, Epstein asked Pritzker to help arrange reservations in Asia for a woman described as Epstein’s girlfriend. When Pritzker inquired about her travel plans, the woman replied, “Going to try to find a new girlfriend for Jeffrey."

“May the Force be with you," Pritzker responded, adding a smiley emoji.

Who Is Thomas Pritzker?

Pritzker’s fall is particularly striking given his stature in American business. Born in 1950 to Hyatt co-founder Jay Pritzker, he spent decades building the family hotel chain into one of the world’s most recognized brands, with hundreds of properties spanning luxury resorts, lifestyle hotels and business lodgings across six continents.

As executive chairman and longtime board leader, Pritzker guided Hyatt through major expansions and strategic acquisitions. He also managed the Pritzker Organization, the family’s private investment firm and served on the boards of influential corporate and policy institutions.

His name has been synonymous with the modern Hyatt brand.

The Hyatt board named Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt, to succeed Pritzker as chairman of the board effective immediately.

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