Donald Pritzker
Donald Pritzker | |
|---|---|
| Born | Donald N. Pritzker October 31, 1932 |
| Died | May 6, 1972 (aged 39) |
| Nationality | United States |
| Alma mater | B.A. Harvard University J.D. University of Chicago |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | President of the Hyatt Corporation |
| Spouse | Sue Sandel |
| Children | 3 --Penny Pritzker --Anthony Pritzker --Jay Robert Pritzker |
| Parent(s) | Abram Nicholas Pritzker Fanny Doppelt |
Donald N. Pritzker (October 31, 1932 – May 6, 1972) was an American entrepreneur, businessman, and member of the wealthy Pritzker family.
Early life and education
Pritzker was born to a Jewish family[1] in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Fanny (née Doppelt) and A.N. Pritzker. He had two older brothers: Jay Pritzker (1922 - 1999) and Robert Pritzker (1926 - 2011).[2] Pritzker graduated with a B.A. from Harvard University and a J.D. from the law school at the University of Chicago.[3]
Career
In 1961, after he graduated from law school, he went to work for the family company, the Marmon Group.[4] His elder brother Jay Pritzker assigned him the task of managing the Hyatt Hotel chain.[4] Donald moved to Atherton, California and went about developing the chain and soon became Hyatt's president. In 1967, the Pritzkers bought a newly built hotel in downtown Atlanta out of bankruptcy which had an unusual design consisting of a 21 story atrium lobby with external glass elevators, fountains, and caged tropical birds. Donald renamed it the Hyatt Regency Atlanta; it became an instant success and served as the architectural model for all future Hyatt hotels.[4]
Donald was credited with "setting the tone for the culture and philosophy at Hyatt" and presided over its growth from a six hotel chain to the 5th largest hotel chain in the world at the time of his death.[4]
Personal life and death
Donald Pritzker was married to Sue Sandel.[5] They had three children:[4]
Pritzker died in 1972 at age 39 of a heart attack while playing tennis at a Hyatt hotel in Honolulu.[4] His wife died 10 years later in an accident at age 49.[5]
References
- ^ The Economist: "Jay Pritzker, pioneer of the modern hotel chain, died on January 23rd, aged 76" January 28, 1999
- ^ New York Times: "Jay Pritzker, Who Built Chain Of Hyatt Hotels, Is Dead at 76" By ANTHONY RAMIREZ January 25, 1999
- ^ Chicago Magazine: "Tremors in the Empire" By Shane Tritsch December 2002
- ^ a b c d e f Los Angeles Times: "Rooms With a View : Chance Encounter Led to Creation of Rapidly Expanding Hyatt Hotels Chain' by NANCY RIVERA BROOKS November 24, 1987
- ^ a b Chicago Tribune: "Mishap kills Sue Pritzker, widow of Hyatt Hotel founder, at age 49" May 8, 1982