Hyatt Executive Chairman Resigns Over Epstein Ties

Thomas Pritzker, cousin of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, steps down to protect Hyatt from fallout of his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.

Feb. 18, 2026 at 9:55pm

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Thomas Pritzker, the executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation and cousin of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, has resigned from his position effective immediately. Pritzker cited his 'terrible judgment in maintaining contact' with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell as the reason for his resignation, stating that he wanted to protect Hyatt from the fallout of these relationships.

Why it matters

Pritzker's resignation highlights the ongoing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, as more individuals with ties to the late pedophile face professional consequences for their associations. Pritzker's high-profile position at Hyatt made his relationship with Epstein a liability for the company, leading him to step down to shield the hotel chain from further scrutiny.

The details

In a letter to Hyatt's board, Pritzker said 'good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, which I deeply regret.' He acknowledged 'exercising terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner.' Pritzker's email address was frequently redacted in the newly released Epstein files, though in some cases it was still visible.

  • On February 17, 2026, Thomas Pritzker revealed to the Hyatt board that he was retiring, effective immediately.

The players

Thomas Pritzker

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

JB Pritzker

The Democratic governor of Illinois and cousin of Thomas Pritzker.

Jeffrey Epstein

The late convicted sex offender whose relationship with Thomas Pritzker led to the latter's resignation from Hyatt.

Ghislaine Maxwell

Jeffrey Epstein's associate, whose relationship with Thomas Pritzker also contributed to his resignation from Hyatt.

Hyatt Hotels Corporation

The hotel chain where Thomas Pritzker served as executive chairman.

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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.”

— Thomas Pritzker, Outgoing Executive Chairman, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (New York Times)

“Tom's leadership has been instrumental in shaping Hyatt's strategy and long-term growth, and we thank him for his service and dedication to Hyatt.”

— Richard Tuttle, Chair of Hyatt's Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (New York Times)

What’s next

Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt's president and CEO, has stepped into the role left open by Thomas Pritzker's resignation.

The takeaway

Pritzker's resignation highlights the ongoing fallout from the Jeffrey Epstein scandal, as more individuals with ties to the late pedophile face professional consequences for their associations. This case underscores the reputational risks companies face when their leaders have questionable relationships, even if those relationships occurred in the past.