Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian Named Chairman Following Pritzker's Departure

Feb 18, 2026

57 min

Feb 18, 2026 13:31

Hyatt appoints CEO as chairman after Pritzker’s exit over Epstein ties

## Leadership Transition at Hyatt

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has announced a significant leadership change, appointing Mark S. Hoplamazian, the current President and CEO, as the new Chairman of the Board. This decision follows the immediate retirement of Thomas J. Pritzker, who stepped down due to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.

## Pritzker's Departure

Thomas J. Pritzker, whose family founded the hotel chain, decided to retire after revelations of his ties with Epstein surfaced. Pritzker expressed regret over his "terrible judgment" in maintaining contact with Epstein and Maxwell, acknowledging the harm they caused.

## Board's Confidence in Hoplamazian

The Board of Hyatt expressed confidence in Hoplamazian's ability to lead, citing his extensive experience and strong relationships within the company. Richard Tuttle, Chair of the Board’s Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, emphasized Hoplamazian's proven track record as CEO for nearly two decades.

## Focus on Growth and Strategy

Hoplamazian stated that Hyatt remains committed to its long-term growth strategy, focusing on employee care, guest experiences, and delivering value to stockholders. The company operates over 1,450 hotels worldwide, including in the UAE, and employs more than 220,000 people.

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