Hyatt executive chairman Thomas Pritzker retires amid Epstein ties

On February 16, 2026, hotel magnate Thomas Pritzker announced he will retire as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, effective immediately, after details of his affiliation with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein were revealed in documents released by the U.S. Department of Justice. Pritzker has served as executive chairman since 2004.

The Justice Department released millions of pages of court filings and communications related to Epstein’s prosecution and network. The documents include frequent email correspondence between Epstein, his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, and Pritzker. In one exchange from 2018, Epstein asked Pritzker to assist in arranging a trip to Southeast Asia for a woman, and Pritzker agreed. Other communications show planning of social events and meetings between the parties over several years, including after Epstein’s 2008 conviction on a prostitution charge.

In a letter to Hyatt’s board, Pritzker stated that he “deeply regrets” his association with Epstein and Maxwell and acknowledged that he had exercised “terrible judgment” by maintaining contact. He said that “good stewardship” of the company required his departure. Pritzker also stated that he would not seek re‑election to Hyatt’s board of directors at the corporation’s upcoming annual meeting.

Pritzker is a member of the wealthy Pritzker family of Chicago and a cousin of Illinois Governor J. B. Pritzker. He has never been charged with a crime in connection with his relationship with Epstein, and he has denied any wrongdoing. Pritzker’s retirement follows similar departures by other prominent individuals whose names have appeared in the released files, though no criminal charges have been announced against him.

Following Pritzker’s retirement, the Hyatt board appointed CEO Mark S. Hoplamazian as the new chairman. The leadership transition is intended to provide continuity for the company’s operations and strategic direction.