The release of the files about Jeffrey Epstein led to the resignation of the billionaire, heir, and chairman of the board of the international hotel chain Hyatt. Thomas Pritzker allegedly had contact with the deceased, convicted sex offender, and his also convicted partner.
Thomas Pritzker resigned as chairman of the Hyatt hotel chain and left the board. The 75-year-old Pritzker said that with this move, he wants to protect Hyatt, given his contacts with Epstein and his convicted partner, Ghislaine Maxwell, and expressed his deep sadness about his relationships with Epstein.
“I’m sorry I kept in touch. There’s no excuse for not distancing myself earlier,” he reportedly said, according to the American television network CNN. At the same time, he condemned Epstein’s actions and emphasized that his duty now is to ensure a smooth transition to the Hyatt board of directors.
Recently released documents from the Epstein investigations revealed that Thomas Pritzker had frequent contact with Epstein for years. As stated in the files, he was in regular contact with both himself and Ghislaine Maxwell, and apparently met with both of them frequently.Just last week, Goldman Sachs’ chief legal officer, Kathryn Ruemmler, resigned due to her ties to Epstein, as did Norway’s ambassador to Jordan, Mona Juul.
Thomas’s father, Jay Pritzker, laid the foundation for the Hyatt hotel chain in the 1950s from a hotel in Los Angeles, and the family has continued to control the hotel group to this day. Thomas Pritzker was the director of Hyatt for a time and served as the chairman of the group’s board for more than 20 years. During his tenure, he shaped the strategic direction of the group and expanded the international portfolio of trademarks as well as the asset-light model.
Mark S. Hoplamazian in a dual role
The Hyatt board of directors has appointed Mark S. Hoplamazian, the current president and CEO of the group, as the new chairman of the board, effective immediately.
The board, as announced, has carefully planned the succession and considers Mr. Hoplamazian the most suitable candidate, due to his long experience as CEO and his relationships with the ownership and staff. Mr. Hoplamazian has led Hyatt for nearly two decades.
