The tourism industry shattered by the Epstein affair with the resignation of Hyatt chairman
Wednesday, 18 Feb, 2026
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Spared until now by the fallout from the Epstein case, the tourism industry is now affected with its first collateral.
Reuters reported that Thomas Pritzker stepped down on Monday, February 16, as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels acknowledging “terrible judgment” in maintaining contact with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Pritzker, 75, would not seek re-election to the company’s board in 2026, he said in a letter to the company’s board. “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,” Pritzker said in his statement reproduced by Reuters.
Pritzker has served as executive chairman since 2004 and highlighted the company’s growth and resilience during his tenure, including taking Hyatt public, adopting an “asset-light” strategy and navigating the COVID-19 pandemic.
The U.S. Justice Department’s release of millions of internal documents related to Epstein has revealed the late financier and sex offender’s ties to many prominent people in politics, finance, academia and business, highlights Reuters in its news.
(Source: Reuters)
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