Online Reporter
BILLIONAIRE Thomas Pritzker has retired as the chairman of Hyatt Hotels, which operates three hotels in Zimbabwe in its massive global portfolio, after his ties with Jeffrey Epstein surfaced in the latest files released by the US Department of Justice.
The group operates more than 1,450 hotels in 80 countries and six continents around the world.
In Zimbabwe, the group operates Hyatt Regency Harare The Meikles, Stanley and Livingstone and the Victoria Falls River Lodge.
Pritzker said in a statement on Monday that he had exercised “terrible judgment” in maintaining contact with the convicted sex offender.
Recently released files showed that Pritzker was in regular contact with Epstein in the years after the financier’s 2008 plea deal on sex crimes charges.
Pritzker is the latest business figure to face scrutiny after the release of files showing the extent of Epstein’s network of high-profile elites.
Pritzker, who has held the role of executive chairman at the global hotel chain since 2004, said he decided to step down after discussions with fellow board members and would not stand for re-election.
“My job and responsibility is to provide good stewardship… Good stewardship includes ensuring a proper transition at Hyatt”, said Pritzker, the billionaire heir to the hotel chain’s fortune.
“Good stewardship also means protecting Hyatt, particularly in the context of my association with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell which I deeply regret.”
Maxwell was convicted in 2021 for her role in luring underage girls for Epstein.
He was convicted in 2008 for soliciting prostitution from a child and died while in custody facing sex trafficking charges in 2019.
Pritzker said he condemned the actions of the pair, adding: “There is no excuse for failing to distance myself sooner.”
His statement was paired with a letter to the board, in which Pritzker points out that he will be 76 this year and that the company is in a “strong and sustainable position” with the strength to thrive. He does not mention his links to Epstein or Maxwell in his letter to the board.
The board named Mark Hoplamazian, Hyatt’s president and chief executive, to take over from Pritzker as chairman. – BBC/H-Metro Reporter
Mathew Masinge