Thomas Pritzker Resigns as Hyatt Hotels Corporation Chairman After Release of Epstein Files

EXCERPT: Thomas Pritzker resigns as Hyatt chairman after Justice Department files reveal continued contact with Jeffrey Epstein. Billionaire Thomas Pritzker has stepped down as chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation after

Billionaire Thomas Pritzker has stepped down as chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation after newly released files from the United States Department of Justice detailed his past contacts with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Pritzker, who has served as executive chairman since 2004, says he exercised “terrible judgement” by maintaining contact with Epstein following the financier’s 2008 plea deal on sex crime charges. Recently disclosed documents show the two were in regular communication in the years after that conviction.

In a statement, Pritzker says he decided not to seek reelection after discussions with fellow board members, stressing that good stewardship requires ensuring a smooth leadership transition and protecting the company’s reputation.

He also expresses deep regret over his association with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 for helping lure underage girls for Epstein. Epstein was convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor and died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

The Hyatt board names President and Chief Executive Mark Hoplamazian as the new chairman. Hoplamazian says Pritzker’s decision reflects his longstanding commitment to the company.

The release of the Epstein files has renewed scrutiny of prominent figures across politics, business and academia, though appearing in the documents does not imply wrongdoing.

Earlier this month, Goldman Sachs chief legal officer Kathy Ruemmler announced her departure after emails revealed a close relationship with Epstein. She denies any knowledge of his criminal conduct.