Billionaire Thomas Pritzker steps down as Hyatt executive chair over Epstein files
Published by RawNews1st
Thomas J. Pritzker, a billionaire heir to the Hyatt Hotels fortune, stepped down from his role Monday as executive chairman of the Hyatt Hotels Corporation, becoming the latest person felled by an association with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.
Mr. Pritzker, 75, said in a letter to the Hyatt board that he was retiring, effective immediately, adding: “Good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which I deeply regret.”
He continued, “I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner.”
Pritzker is the latest powerful figure facing repercussions after the release of files showing the depth of Epstein’s network of business and cultural elites. The released files showed Pritzker in recurring contact with Epstein, even after Epstein’s controversial 2008 plea deal for procuring a minor for prostitution.
For example, economist Larry Summers was earlier banned for life from the American Economic Association over his ties to the late sex offender. Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the head of DP World, the world’s largest port operator, was also replaced over his intimate friendship with Epstein.
Other global figures have also faced an outcry and a range of consequences for their relationships with Epstein.
“Going to try to find a new girlfriend for Jeffrey,” the woman wrote in an email when Pritzker asked what she was going to do there.
“May the Force be with you,” Pritzker replied, along with a smiley face emoji.
The Hyatt board named Mark Hoplamazian, president and CEO of Hyatt, to succeed Pritzker as chairman of the board effective immediately.
CNN has reached out to the Pritzker Organization, which manages the family fortune and investments, and where Pritzker is currently listed as executive chairman.
