Thomas Pritzker, an American billionaire and the chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation since 2004, has announced his decision not to seek re-election to the company's board in 2026 due to his prior connections with the convicted sex offender, Jeffrey Epstein. In a letter to Hyatt's board, Pritzker expressed deep regret for having maintained contact with Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, stating that he showed 'terrible judgment' in doing so, and emphasized the importance of protecting the company from the lingering shadows of these connections.

Pritzker, 75 years old, has previously received praise for his leadership of Hyatt, particularly during challenging times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. However, recent revelations concerning his ties to Epstein, which became public following the U.S. Department of Justice's release of internal documents, have compelled him to reevaluate his role and responsibilities, leading to this significant decision to withdraw from board considerations in the near future.

This move by Pritzker highlights the ongoing repercussions of associating with Epstein, a figure whose actions have drawn immense public scrutiny and condemnation. By stepping back, Pritzker aims not only to protect his legacy but also to uphold the integrity of Hyatt Hotels, which may face reputational challenges due to such associations.