Hyatt Boss Resigns Over Epstein Ties

Thomas J. Pritzker steps down as executive chairman, citing regrettable association with disgraced financier.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Hyatt Hotels executive chairman Thomas J. Pritzker has abruptly resigned, citing his regrettable ties to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein and Epstein's accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. Pritzker, who has led the luxury hotel company since 2004, announced his immediate resignation in a letter to the board, stating he would not seek re-election at the 2026 shareholder meeting.

Why it matters

Pritzker's departure marks a dramatic turn for the Chicago-based Hyatt after he successfully navigated the company through the COVID-19 pandemic and oversaw its transformation. His resignation comes after documents revealed his association with Epstein, a convicted sex offender, raising concerns about Hyatt's leadership and corporate governance.

The details

In his resignation letter, Pritzker stated he exercised 'terrible judgment' in maintaining contact with Epstein and Maxwell, and felt 'deep sorrow' for the harm they caused their victims. Pritzker was among more than 100 people tied to Epstein in documents made public in 2024, and was named by Virginia Giuffre as one of the men she was trafficked to, an allegation he has denied.

  • Pritzker announced his immediate resignation on Monday, February 16, 2026.
  • Pritzker will not seek re-election at Hyatt's 2026 shareholder meeting.

The players

Thomas J. Pritzker

The 75-year-old billionaire who has served as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels since 2004.

Jeffrey Epstein

A disgraced financier and convicted sex offender.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Epstein's accomplice.

Virginia Giuffre

One of Epstein's most prominent accusers, who named Pritzker as one of the men she was trafficked to.

JB Pritzker

The governor of Illinois and cousin of Thomas J. Pritzker.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which I deeply regret. I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner. I condemn the actions and the harm caused by Epstein and Maxwell and I feel deep sorrow for the pain they inflicted on their victims.”

— Thomas J. Pritzker, Executive Chairman, Hyatt Hotels (dnyuz.com)

What’s next

Hyatt's board of directors will need to appoint a new executive chairman to lead the company going forward.

The takeaway

Pritzker's resignation highlights the ongoing fallout from the Epstein scandal and the importance of corporate leaders distancing themselves from individuals accused of serious misconduct. Hyatt will now need to navigate the transition to new leadership and address any lingering concerns about its governance and oversight.