Thomas Pritzker Resigns as Hyatt Executive Chair Amid Epstein Revelations
Thomas Pritzker has resigned as executive chair of the hotel chain Hyatt, following revelations regarding his association with the late child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Pritzker stated he exercised "terrible judgment" in maintaining contact with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 for her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls.
Key Details
Files released by the US Department of Justice indicate that Pritzker, 75, was in regular contact with Epstein after Epstein's 2008 plea deal for procuring a minor for prostitution.
Pritzker, who served as executive chair of Hyatt since 2004, stated his decision to step down after discussions with the board and confirmed he would not stand for re-election.
In a release from his family office, the Pritzker Organisation, he expressed regret for his association with Epstein and Maxwell.
"There was no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner," Pritzker stated, condemning their actions and the harm they caused.
Justice Department documents revealed multiple communications between Pritzker and Epstein over several years. Notably, an email exchange from 2003 between Maxwell and Pritzker showed Maxwell listing models as "serving girls" for a dinner party. Pritzker suggested the invited guests should serve and the models should be guests, stating, "This would be far more fun."
Hyatt's board has named Mark Hoplamazian, the current president and chief executive, to succeed Pritzker as chair, effective immediately.
In a letter to the board, Pritzker cited his upcoming 76th birthday and confidence in Hyatt's future, without mentioning Epstein.
Broader Context
Pritzker is one of several senior business figures to step down from their roles following the release of the Epstein files, which have exposed the late sex offender’s connections to prominent individuals. Others who have resigned or left positions due to Epstein ties include:
- Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, head of DP World (owner of P&O Ferries).
- Kathy Ruemmler, top lawyer at Goldman Sachs.
- Brad Karp, former chair of the US law firm Paul Weiss.
- Casey Wasserman, a Hollywood talent agent, who announced the sale of his business.