Hyatt Hotels Chairman Steps Down Over Jeffrey Epstein Ties

Thomas Pritzker has stepped down as chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation after newly released documents detailed his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Pritzker, 75, announced his retirement on Monday, saying he had exercised “terrible judgement” in maintaining contact with Epstein following the financier’s 2008 plea deal on sex crime charges. Recently released files from the US Department of Justice revealed that Pritzker remained in regular communication with Epstein in the years after his conviction. The billionaire heir, who has served as executive chairman of Hyatt since 2004, said his decision followed discussions with fellow board members and that he would not seek reelection.

“My job and responsibility is to provide good stewardship,” Pritzker said in a statement. “Good stewardship includes ensuring a proper transition at Hyatt. It also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, which I deeply regret.”

Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for her role in recruiting and grooming underage girls for Epstein. Epstein, who was convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a minor, died in custody in 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges. Pritzker condemned the actions of Epstein and Maxwell, stating: “There is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner.” In a separate letter to the board, Pritzker noted that he would turn 76 this year and described the company as being in a “strong and sustainable position.” The letter did not reference his links to Epstein or Maxwell. Hyatt’s board has appointed Mark Hoplamazian, the company’s president and chief executive, as the new chairman. Hoplamazian said Pritzker’s decision reflects his long-standing commitment and stewardship of the company.

The release of additional Epstein-related files has prompted scrutiny of several high-profile figures across business, politics and academia. There is no suggestion that appearing in the documents implies wrongdoing. Earlier this month, Goldman Sachs’ top lawyer Kathy Ruemmler announced her departure after emails showed she had maintained a relationship with Epstein, though she denied any knowledge of his criminal conduct. Brad Karp, chairman of law firm Paul Weiss, also stepped down in February following reports that emails showed he had discussed Epstein’s 2008 conviction with him.