Hyatt Hotels Executive Chairman Retires After Epstein Ties Revealed

Thomas Pritzker steps down following release of documents detailing his association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Hotel magnate Thomas Pritzker is retiring as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels, saying he wanted to protect the company after new documents were released detailing the extent of his association with convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Why it matters

The revelations about Pritzker's ties to Epstein and Maxwell have raised concerns about the hotel industry's connections to figures involved in sex trafficking and abuse. Pritzker's retirement highlights the reputational risks companies face when their leaders are linked to controversial figures.

The details

In a statement, Pritzker said he "exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact" with Epstein and Maxwell, and that "there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner." He condemned their "actions and the harm caused" and expressed "deep sorrow for the pain they inflicted on their victims."

  • The new documents detailing Pritzker's association with Epstein and Maxwell were released on February 16, 2026.

The players

Thomas Pritzker

The former executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels who is retiring after new documents revealed the extent of his association with convicted sex offenders Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

Jeffrey Epstein

A convicted sex offender who was associated with Thomas Pritzker.

Ghislaine Maxwell

A convicted sex offender who was associated with Thomas Pritzker.

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What they’re saying

“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 Pritzker, Former Executive Chairman, Hyatt Hotels (Wall Street Journal)

What’s next

Hyatt Hotels will need to address the fallout from the revelations about Pritzker's ties to Epstein and Maxwell, including potential reputational damage and any impact on the company's operations and leadership.

The takeaway

The Pritzker case highlights the importance for corporate leaders to carefully vet their personal and professional associations, as even tangential links to figures involved in scandals can pose significant reputational risks for their companies.