A billionaire hotel dynasty heir has stepped down from his chairman position after newly released government documents exposed his cozy relationship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein—continuing well after Epstein’s 2008 conviction.
Story Snapshot
- Thomas Pritzker resigned as Hyatt executive chairman after the DOJ files revealed continued contact with Jeffrey Epstein following his 2008 sex crime conviction
- Released emails show Pritzker helping Epstein arrange trips and offering hotel employment to women Epstein introduced him to, with casual exchanges continuing for years
- The 46-year hotel industry veteran admitted “terrible judgment” but made no mention of Epstein ties in his internal letter to the board
- Hyatt stock dropped over 2% following the announcement, part of a broader corporate reckoning as DOJ document releases trigger executive resignations across multiple industries
Dynasty Crumbles Under Epstein Revelations
Thomas Pritzker, who guided Hyatt Hotels for 22 years as executive chairman, announced his immediate resignation after the Department of Justice released millions of pages of documents detailing his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein.
The 76-year-old billionaire acknowledged maintaining contact with the convicted sex offender and his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell, even after Epstein’s 2008 guilty plea for soliciting prostitution from a minor. Pritzker’s father, Jay, acquired Hyatt’s first property in 1957 and built it into a global hospitality empire, a legacy Thomas stewarded since 1980.
Hyatt Chairman Pritzker leaves board over Epstein ties https://t.co/fG6Yu8RdrX
— CNBC (@CNBC) February 16, 2026
Damning Email Exchanges Surface
The newly released documents reveal troubling email exchanges demonstrating active engagement rather than passive acquaintance. In 2018, Epstein asked Pritzker to help arrange a Southeast Asia trip for girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak, who responded she would “try to find a new girlfriend for Jeffrey.”
Pritzker replied with a smiley-face emoticon, stating, “May the Force be with you.” Another 2010 exchange shows Epstein requesting hotel employment for “the girl from Romania that you met at my house,” with Pritzker offering to have her interviewed.
Public Contrition Masks Private Silence
Pritzker’s public statement expressed deep regret for his association with Epstein and Maxwell, calling his continued contact “terrible judgment” and saying there is “no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner.” He specifically cited protecting Hyatt as motivation for stepping down.
However, his separate letter to the board made no reference whatsoever to his Epstein associations, instead focusing on his approaching 76th birthday and the company’s “strong and sustainable position.” This strategic communication difference raises questions about whether his departure stems from genuine accountability or damage control.
Pattern of Elite Accountability Emerges
Pritzker joins a growing list of prominent business leaders forced out following DOJ document releases. Larry Summers resigned from OpenAI’s board in November 2025, Brad Karp stepped down as Paul Weiss chairman in February 2026, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem left his DP World CEO position the same month.
Corporate boards increasingly treat past Epstein associations as disqualifying factors for leadership positions, regardless of direct criminal allegations. This represents a significant shift in corporate governance standards, though many Americans frustrated with elite privilege wonder why these connections weren’t disqualifying years ago when Epstein’s crimes first became public knowledge.
Political Dynasty Connection Raises Questions
Thomas Pritzker’s cousin, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, claimed in 2019 he was “unaware if [Thomas Pritzker] knew Jeffrey Epstein at all” when Thomas’s name first surfaced in court documents. That statement now appears either remarkably uninformed or deliberately misleading, given the extensive documentation of Thomas’s relationship with Epstein.
The Pritzker family wields enormous political influence in Illinois and beyond, raising concerns about what family members knew and when they knew it. Mark Hoplamazian immediately assumed dual chairman and CEO responsibilities following the resignation, consolidating significant power as Hyatt shareholders watched stock prices drop 2.2% on the news.
Sources:
Pritzker Family Heir Thomas Steps Down as Hyatt Chairman – American Bazaar Online
Hyatt Pritzker Epstein Resignation – Fintool
Hyatt Executive Chairman Tom Pritzker Steps Down Over Jeffrey Epstein Ties – ABC7 Chicago
