Billionaire Thomas Pritzker has stepped down as executive chair of Hyatt after newly released files detailed his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. The story was first highlighted by The Guardian, which reported on the fallout surrounding his continued contact with the convicted sex offender.
Pritzker, 75, issued a statement through the Pritzker Organisation acknowledging he exercised “terrible judgment” by maintaining contact with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for recruiting and grooming underage girls. Pritzker said there was “no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner.”
“I condemn the actions and the harm caused by Epstein and Maxwell,” he added. “I feel deep sorrow for the pain they inflicted on their victims.”
His own words made the reason for leaving clear
In explaining his departure, Pritzker framed the decision as part of his responsibility to the company. He said his role required “good stewardship” of Hyatt, then clarified that “good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, which I deeply regret.”
However, in his formal letter to the board, he did not reference the scandal. Instead, he noted he will turn 76 in June and expressed confidence that Hyatt has “built the strength and agility to carry on and thrive,” presenting the move as a transition aligned with his age.
Documents released by the US Department of Justice show Pritzker remained in communication with Epstein after the financier’s 2008 plea deal for procuring a minor for prostitution. Pritzker has longstanding ties to Hyatt, which was founded by his father, Jay Pritzker, and has served as executive chair since 2004 after previously holding the roles of president and chief executive.
He is among several executives who have stepped down following disclosures in the Epstein files. The disclosures come amid other scrutiny of official messaging around what was released, including the Pam Bondi DOJ letter.
Recently, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem resigned from his role connected to the P&O Ferries owner after scrutiny over his ties. Kathy Ruemmler, a former Goldman Sachs executive and White House counsel under Barack Obama, also stepped down after emails revealed her relationship with Epstein.
Casey Wasserman announced he would sell his business after communications with Maxwell became public, telling staff he had “become a distraction.” The disclosures have also prompted public statements from lawmakers, including Massie Epstein safety concerns. Brad Karp likewise stepped down as chair of the US law firm Paul Weiss over his association with Epstein.
Hyatt named Mark Hoplamazian, the company’s president and chief executive, as the new chair effective immediately.
Published: Feb 17, 2026 05:00 am