Company Announcements

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 16, 2026--

Thomas J. Pritzker, 75, Executive Chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today released a letter, previously shared with the Board of Hyatt, explaining his decision to retire as Executive Chairman, effective immediately, and not to stand for reelection to the Board at the 2026 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Mr. Pritzker said, “My job and responsibility is to provide good stewardship. That is important to me. Good stewardship includes ensuring a proper transition at Hyatt. Following discussions with my fellow Board members, I have decided, after serving as Executive Chairman since 2004, and with the company in a strong position, that now is the right time for me to retire from Hyatt.

“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. 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 is the text of the February 16 letter:

Dear Fellow Directors,

At our recent Board meeting I briefed you on the restructuring of our family enterprise. I also described the significant science foundation that Margot and I have started and how the growth in Hyatt’s value has enabled the creation and future growth of that foundation. As I explained, we are now in a phase of our lives where we are thinking about good stewardship and that includes structuring a proper handoff to the future. A prominent part of that mindset is that I leave Hyatt in a strong and sustainable position.

I am extremely proud of the evolution of Hyatt over the past 25 years. Over that time we have taken Hyatt public, we have transitioned to a purpose driven company, we have adopted agile ways of working, we have gone asset light. We have demonstrated our ability to design and execute strategies. We have also demonstrated resilience in the face of Covid and the ability to move quickly to take advantage of opportunities such as ALG. We have generated very intentional growth not only in our numbers, but more importantly, in our people, culture and ways of working. To have played a role in this was both an honor and one of the great experiences of my life.

But now, inevitably, we are coming to a point where we must face the prospect of succession. This goes to good stewardship. I will be 76 in June. Were I to stand for reelection, I would be committing to another three years as Executive Chairman of a public company. When I look at my care for Hyatt, my respect for good governance and the focus that Margot and I have on our legacy, they all lead me to conclude that what is right for Hyatt and for me is that I retire as Executive Chairman of Hyatt effective immediately and not stand for reelection at our 2026 annual shareholder’s meeting.

As you know, I am very confident that Hyatt has built the strength and agility to carry on and thrive. We have a strong Board, a world class management team and incredible colleagues all over the world. We have the wind at our back. These are the conditions necessary to allow me to retire from Hyatt after 45 years and turn my focus to being a good steward for the Foundation, for our family office and for the other activities that Margot and I have been involved with for some time. I will, of course, also continue to support Hyatt in any way that I can.

For 70 years, Hyatt has been part of our family’s identity and our family has been part of Hyatt’s identity. Good stewardship is very important to me personally. Over the past months, Margot and I have had many discussions about how we want to spend the remainder of our time. We look back at our accomplishments and feel we have made a difference to our companies, our communities and our family. As we look forward, that is what we will continue to do.

With continuing gratitude for all you are doing,
Best,

/s/

Thomas J. Pritzker
Executive Chairman
Hyatt Hotels Corporation

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260216864815/en/

Media contact: info@pritzkerorg.com

Source: The Pritzker Organization