Hyatt Executive Chairman Thomas Pritzker Steps Down Amid Epstein Controversy

Thomas J. Pritzker has announced he is retiring from his role as Executive Chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation, citing his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

In a letter to Hyatt’s board, Pritzker said he believed stepping aside was in the best interest of the company following renewed scrutiny over his prior contact with Epstein. His decision comes after recently released documents showed the two remained in communication in the years after Epstein’s 2008 plea deal on sex crimes charges.

“Good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which I deeply regret,” Pritzker wrote.

According to reporting by The New York Times, emails from 2015 and 2018 show exchanges between Pritzker and Epstein. In one 2018 exchange, Epstein asked Pritzker to help arrange travel to Southeast Asia for his girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak. Pritzker agreed and asked about her plans for the trip. Shuliak responded that she was “going to try to find a new girlfriend for Jeffrey,” to which Pritzker replied with a smiley-face emoticon and, “May the Force be with you.”

In a separate 2015 email, Epstein suggested to Pritzker that they combine plans for a lunch involving the Dalai Lama and filmmaker Woody Allen, joking that it “could be a memorable event.” The correspondence indicated the two had discussed meeting in person.

Pritzker acknowledged in his letter that he had “exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them.” He did not indicate that he had any involvement in or knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct but said the association itself had become a distraction.

Hyatt confirmed Pritzker’s departure in a press release, noting that he had served on the company’s board and as Executive Chairman since August 2004. His leadership with predecessor entities dates back to 1980.

“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,” said Richard Tuttle, chair of the board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

Pritzker’s resignation adds to the list of high-profile figures whose past connections to Epstein have resurfaced following renewed document releases related to the late financier’s network and activities.