Donald Pritzker
Donald Pritzker | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
| Died | May 6, 1972 (aged 39) |
| Occupation | Entrepreneur |
| Known for | President of Hyatt Hotels |
Donald Nicholas Pritzker (October 31, 1932 – May 6, 1972) was an American entrepreneur and a notable member of the Pritzker family. He held the position of president at Hyatt, playing a crucial role in the expansion of the hotel enterprise.
Early life and education
Donald was born in Chicago, Illinois to Fanny (née Doppelt) and A. N. Pritzker, belonging to a distinguished Jewish lineage. His elder siblings included Jay Pritzker (1922–1999) and Robert Pritzker (1926–2011). He completed his early education at the Francis W. Parker School, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Harvard University, and later obtained a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago Law School.
Career
Upon finishing law school in 1961, Donald entered the family enterprise, the Marmon Group. His brother Jay appointed him to oversee the operations of the Hyatt Hotel chain. Moving to Atherton, California, he transformed Hyatt into a significant force within the hospitality industry, ultimately becoming its president.
In 1967, the Pritzker family purchased a bankrupt hotel located in downtown Atlanta, renowned for its unique 21-story atrium featuring glass elevators and tropical birds. This property was renamed Hyatt Regency Atlanta, rapidly achieving success and influencing the architectural design of subsequent Hyatt hotels.
Donald is recognized for shaping Hyatt’s corporate ethos and guiding its expansion from a portfolio of six hotels to becoming the fifth largest hotel chain worldwide by the time of his passing.
Personal life
Donald Pritzker married Sue Sandel (1932–1982) on June 10, 1958; she was the daughter of Albert L. Sandel and Dorothy J. Craig. Sue also attended the Francis W. Parker School and graduated from Radcliffe College. Together, they had three children:
- Penny Pritzker (born 1959), who served as the 38th United States Secretary of Commerce
- Anthony Pritzker (born 1961), managing partner at the Pritzker Group
- Jay Robert Pritzker (born 1965), managing partner of the Pritzker Group and current Governor of Illinois, listed among the wealthiest people globally
Death
At age 39, Donald passed away in 1972 due to a heart attack while playing tennis at a Hyatt property in Honolulu. His wife died ten years afterward in an accident at age 49.