On February 17, 2026, billionaire Thomas Pritzker announced his resignation as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels following revelations of his ongoing contact with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Pritzker admitted to exercising 'terrible judgment' in maintaining these connections, particularly after Epstein's 2008 conviction for soliciting prostitution from a minor. He expressed regret in his resignation letter, stating, 'Good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which I deeply regret.' Pritzker will not seek reelection to the board at the company’s shareholders meeting in May, marking a significant leadership change for Hyatt, which he has led since 2004 (The Guardian, BBC World).