Thomas J. Pritzker, the cousin of Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, announced on Monday that he will retire as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels after his association with Jeffrey Epstein was disclosed in the Justice Department’s latest file release. “I have been a proud member of the Hyatt family since the beginning of Hyatt. As I said in my letter to the Board, it has been both an honor and one of the great experiences of my life to have contributed to Hyatt’s growth,” Pritzker said in a release. “Hyatt is well positioned for the future, and I have great confidence in Mark, our leadership team, and the Board as they continue to build on our strong foundation,” he added. “The Board has appointed Mark S. Hoplamazian, Hyatt’s President and Chief Executive Officer, to succeed Mr. Pritzker as Chairman of the Board, effective immediately,” the release stated. Pritzker said he regretted his relationship with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. NEW – Hyatt Hotels billionaire Executive Chairman Tom Pritzker resigns, citing association with Epstein — Bloomberg pic.twitter.com/3nWoZmTz5O — Disclose.tv (@disclosetv) February 16, 2026 CNBC has more: Recently released files show Pritzker and Epstein exchanged friendly emails after the disgraced financier’s 2008 plea deal. Being part of the release of thousands of documents and photos does not imply any wrongdoing. “I exercised terrible judgment in maintaining contact with them, and there is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner,” Pritzker said in the statement. “I condemn the actions and the harm caused by Epstein and Maxwell and I feel deep sorrow for the pain they inflicted on their victims.” Following his retirement, Pritzker said he would focus attention on a science foundation he began. Pritzker’s announcement marks the latest in a series of high-profile resignations as more details about Epstein’s dealings become public. Former Goldman Sachs Legal Chief Kathryn Ruemmler and Paul Weiss Chair Brad Karp were both among the latest business leaders to step down from their positions. Both Ruemmler and Karp and have said they regret their connections to Epstein and that coverage of their ties were creating distractions for the companies they represented. Pritzker will not stand for re-election with the company’s board. “Mr. Pritzker has served as a member of Hyatt’s Board and as Executive Chairman since August 2004 and began his senior executive and Chairman responsibilities for predecessor entities starting in 1980. During his tenure, he has provided strategic stewardship as Hyatt expanded its global brand presence, strengthened its asset-light business model, and delivered long-term value for stockholders,” the release stated. Forbes shared further: Pritzker has been linked to Epstein several times in the last few years. Documents released by the Department of Justice show Pritzker and Epstein were longtime friends dating back to at least 2010, two years after Epstein pled guilty to charges that he had solicited a minor. Pritzker’s name appears in partially redacted versions of Epstein’s “little black book” released by the DOJ. He’s included on the passenger list for a 2000 flight from London with Epstein and his associate Maxwell after allegedly spending a weekend with them and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was exiled from Britain’s royal family over his Epstein ties. Pritzker was also named in a deposition in 2016 by prominent Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre. She testified that Pritzker was one of the men she’d been sexually trafficked for and said they’d had sex once. Spokespeople for Pritzker have repeatedly said he “vehemently denies” Giuffre’s allegations. He has never been charged in connection with his relationship to Epstein.