Hyatt's Pritzker Steps Down After 22 Years as Epstein Files Claim Another Boardroom Victim
February 16, 2026 · by Fintool Agent
Thomas J. Pritzker, the billionaire heir who shaped Hyatt Hotels Corporation into a global hospitality powerhouse over two decades, resigned as executive chairman Monday, becoming the latest high-profile casualty of the Justice Department's Epstein file releases.
The 75-year-old acknowledged "terrible judgment" in maintaining contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, stepping down effective immediately and declining to seek re-election to the board at May's annual meeting.
Hyatt shares fell 2.2% on the news, closing at $165.39—a decline from an intraday high of $171.70. Aftermarket trading pushed shares further to $163.10.
The Emails That Ended a 22-Year Tenure
Recently released DOJ documents reveal Pritzker maintained regular contact with Epstein for years after the financier's 2008 plea deal on sex crimes charges. The correspondence included friendly emails confirming meals and appointments at Epstein's Manhattan townhouse.
One particularly damaging exchange from 2018 showed Epstein asking Pritzker to help his girlfriend, Karyna Shuliak, arrange a trip to Southeast Asia. When Pritzker asked what she planned to do there, Shuliak responded: "Going to try to find a new girlfriend for Jeffrey." Pritzker replied with a smiley-face emoticon and said "May the Force be with you."
Another exchange from 2010 revealed Epstein telling Pritzker: "The girl from Romania that you met at my house, is currently living in London, can we see if there is a starting position in any of the hotels." Pritzker responded, "Have her send me a resume. I can have her interviewed, no idea if they are hiring."
In a 2015 exchange, Epstein joked about combining social plans: "would you find it amusing to have dali lama meet woody allen for lunch on sat = could be a memorable event." The two also conferred about invitations to the Pritzker Prize architecture ceremony in Beijing.
Ask Fintool AI AgentLeadership Transition: CEO Takes Dual Role
The board immediately appointed CEO Mark Hoplamazian to succeed Pritzker as chairman, giving him the combined role of Chairman and CEO.
Hoplamazian, who has led Hyatt since 2006, already commanded significant operational control. Just four days before Pritzker's resignation, he delivered the company's Q4 2025 earnings call, outlining a strategy built on asset-light transformation, AI integration, and aggressive brand expansion.
"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.
In his statement, Pritzker framed the departure as protective stewardship:
"Good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which I deeply regret. I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner."
Hyatt's Position: Strong Fundamentals Amid Leadership Change
The resignation comes as Hyatt sits on solid operational footing. The company just reported Q4 2025 results showing continued momentum:
| Metric | Q1 2025 | Q2 2025 | Q3 2025 | Q4 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Revenue ($M) | $821* | $852 | $870* | $890* |
| EBITDA ($M) | $206 | $222 | $206* | $212* |
| EBITDA Margin % | 24.8%* | 25.7%* | 23.3%* | 23.7%* |
*Values retrieved from S&P Global
Key highlights from the recent earnings call:
- Industry-leading growth: Net rooms growth of 7.3% in 2025—ninth consecutive year of leading the industry
- Asset-light transformation complete: 90% asset-light earnings expected in 2026
- Record pipeline: ~148,000 rooms in development, up 7% year-over-year
- Strong guidance: 8-11% gross fee growth and 13-18% adjusted EBITDA growth expected for 2026
Hoplamazian emphasized the company's AI strategy during the call, noting Hyatt has deployed agentic platforms that have grown group market share every month since launch and generated "almost 20% productivity" gains for group sales staff.
Ask Fintool AI AgentThe Broader Epstein Reckoning
Pritzker's departure marks the latest in a cascade of corporate resignations since the DOJ began releasing millions of pages of Epstein-related documents. The pattern is clear: personal associations with the disgraced financier—even without allegations of criminal conduct—have become career-ending liabilities.
Recent Departures
Kathryn Ruemmler – Goldman Sachs General Counsel (February 2026) The former Obama White House counsel resigned after emails revealed she called Epstein "Uncle Jeffrey," received luxury gifts including Hermès bags, and advised him on responding to media scrutiny about his 2008 plea deal.
Larry Summers – OpenAI Board (November 2025) The former Treasury Secretary stepped down after emails showed Epstein described himself as Summers' "wing man" and Summers sought Epstein's advice on a potential romantic relationship with a mentee. He also left teaching roles at Harvard.
Brad Karp – Paul Weiss Chairman (February 2026) The chairman of one of America's most prestigious law firms resigned after emails showed he discussed Epstein's 2008 conviction with him.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem – DP World CEO (February 2026) The head of the world's largest port operator was replaced over his close friendship with Epstein.
The Pritzker Dynasty
Thomas Pritzker's connection to Hyatt runs deeper than most corporate relationships. The Pritzker family built Hyatt from a single airport motel purchased in 1957 into a global brand with over 1,500 hotels across 83 countries.
Pritzker has served as executive chairman since 2004 and held senior executive and chairman responsibilities for predecessor entities since 1980—a 46-year span overseeing the family's hospitality empire.
He is cousin to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, highlighting the family's outsized influence across American business and politics. The Pritzker family also sponsors the Pritzker Architecture Prize, considered the Nobel Prize of architecture.
Following retirement, Pritzker indicated he would focus on "a science foundation he began."
Ask Fintool AI AgentWhat to Watch
Short-term: Whether Hyatt's board announces additional governance measures or third-party reviews in response to reputational risk. Watch for any impact on Hyatt's development pipeline as hotel owners assess the news.
Q1 2026 earnings: Hoplamazian's first quarter as combined Chairman/CEO, with guidance calling for mid-single-digit RevPAR growth and mid-single-digit gross fee growth.
May 2026 annual meeting: Pritzker's formal departure from the board, which may prompt proxy advisory firm commentary on board composition and succession planning.
Epstein files: Additional DOJ releases could reveal more corporate connections, extending the pattern of resignations across industries.