From Dubai Tycoon To Hyatt Chairman: Big Names Forced To Resign Amid Epstein Files Row

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 12:13 IST

Thomas J Pritzker has stepped down as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation amid scrutiny over his ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein

Heads are rolling as the Jeffrey Epstein files continue to ruffle feathers across the globe. The latest to have stepped down is the Executive Chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation. Thomas J Pritzker has stepped down as executive chairman of Hyatt Hotels Corporation amid scrutiny over his ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell.

Pritzker resigned after emails showing his longtime correspondence with Epstein became public. With this resignation, he joins the list of high-profile career setbacks that have come as a direct consequence of Epstein files.

The Corporate Honchos Who Fell To Epstein Files

Thomas J Pritzker

Pritzker announced he would retire as Executive Chairman and not seek re-election to Hyatt’s board. His resignation came after newly released Epstein files showed multiple email exchanges between Pritzker and Epstein over many years — extending well after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sex crimes involving minors. The communications continued into the late 2010s. Some emails revealed social plans and interactions. In one exchange from 2018, Epstein’s associate asked Pritzker to help arrange travel plans for a woman, with Pritzker responding in a friendly manner. His name also appeared in earlier parts of the files and associated documents related to his contacts with Epstein. Pritzker, while resigning on Monday, described his association with Epstein and Maxwell as “terrible judgment" and said he deeply regretted not distancing himself sooner. Pritzker stated his decision was motivated in part by a desire to “protect Hyatt" and ensure necessary leadership continuity, acknowledging the reputational impact of the disclosures.

Kathy Ruemmler

Kathy Ruemmler, who served as chief legal officer at Goldman Sachs and previously as White House counsel under Barack Obama, stepped down after renewed scrutiny over her past association with Jeffrey Epstein resurfaced in recently released court documents. The disclosures detailed social meetings and trips involving Epstein after his 2008 conviction, along with references to expensive gifts and hospitality, prompting questions about judgment and reputational risk for the bank. Ruemmler has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing, and there is no indication she was involved in Epstein’s crimes. However, amid mounting public and shareholder pressure, her resignation was widely viewed as an effort to shield Goldman Sachs from prolonged reputational damage as fresh material from the Epstein files continued to emerge.

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, the longtime chairman and CEO of DP World, was replaced amid mounting scrutiny after his name surfaced in newly unsealed documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. The files reportedly referenced past meetings and contact details connecting him to Epstein’s wider social and business network, though there have been no allegations of criminal wrongdoing against him. As global attention intensified and questions were raised about corporate governance and reputational risk, pressure grew within business and political circles in Dubai. His removal was widely interpreted as a pre-emptive step to shield DP World — a major state-linked global ports operator — from prolonged controversy and investor unease triggered by the renewed focus on Epstein’s associations.

Jack Lang

Jack Lang, the former French culture minister and longtime president of the Arab World Institute, stepped down after renewed scrutiny over his past contacts with Jeffrey Epstein surfaced in investigative reports and court documents. The disclosures suggested that Lang had interactions within Epstein’s wider social circle, prompting French authorities to examine the nature and context of those links. While Lang has denied any wrongdoing and has not been charged with any crime, the growing media attention and political pressure led to calls for accountability, particularly given his prominent public role in France’s cultural establishment.

Casey Wasserman

Casey Wasserman, a prominent Hollywood dealmaker and chairman of the organizing committee for the 2028 Summer Olympics, faced mounting scrutiny after correspondence linked to Jeffrey Epstein and his associate Ghislaine Maxwell surfaced in court filings. The documents reportedly referenced past social interactions and communication, prompting criticism from advocacy groups and public figures who questioned the judgment of leaders associated with Epstein’s network. Although Wasserman has not been accused of criminal wrongdoing and has denied any improper conduct, the revelations triggered reputational fallout, including reported client unease and calls for him to step aside from his Olympics leadership role to avoid overshadowing preparations for the Los Angeles Games.

News world From Dubai Tycoon To Hyatt Chairman: Big Names Forced To Resign Amid Epstein Files Row

Read More