Tom Pritzker Resigns Over Epstein Ties
Pritzker said he "exercised terrible judgment" after released Epstein documents showed at least 20 emails from 2010 to early 2019; Hyatt named CEO Mark Hoplamazian chair.
Overview
Thomas J. Pritzker retired as Hyatt's executive chairman effective immediately, saying his association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell was a failure of judgment, he wrote in a letter to the board.
Released Epstein files showed Pritzker exchanged at least 20 emails with Jeffrey Epstein from at least 2010 to early 2019, including messages arranging meetings and travel, according to the documents.
Hyatt's board named President and Chief Executive Mark Hoplamazian as chairman of the board, effective immediately, the company said.
Hyatt's portfolio includes more than 1,500 hotels and all-inclusive properties in 83 countries across six continents as of the end of 2025, the company said.
Pritzker said he will not seek re-election to Hyatt's board at the annual stockholders meeting in May.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present this reporting neutrally, focusing on verifiable facts — Pritzker’s resignation, the documented emails with Epstein and their dates, his regret-filled statement, and Hyatt’s official response—while noting he faces no accusations. They use company releases and public records rather than charged adjectives or partisan sourcing.
Sources (12)
FAQ
The documents show at least 20-24 emails between Pritzker and Epstein from 2010 to early 2019, discussing current events, arranging meetings and travel, and sharing news articles, with contact continuing until February 2019.
Pritzker retired as Hyatt's executive chairman effective immediately, admitting he exercised 'terrible judgment' in his association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell after the emails were released.
Virginia Giuffre alleged in a 2016 deposition that she believed she was with Pritzker once, but Pritzker vehemently denies this; no criminal charges have been brought against him.
Hyatt named President and CEO Mark Hoplamazian as chairman effective immediately; Hyatt's portfolio includes over 1,500 hotels in 83 countries across six continents.
Epstein's calendar scheduled meetings with Pritzker 28 times between 2013 and 2018, in addition to the documented emails.
History
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