Penny Pritzker Parents: Meet Donald Pritzker, Sue Sandel

Penny Sue Pritzker, an American billionaire businesswoman and civic leader, has deep roots in the influential Pritzker family of Chicago.

Born in Chicago in 1959, Penny is the daughter of Sue and Donald Pritzker, a notable figure who co-founded Hyatt Hotels. The Pritzker family, known for its wealth and influence, is recognized as a prominent Jewish business family.

Penny’s father, Donald Pritzker, played a pivotal role in establishing Hyatt Hotels and relocated the family to Atherton, California, where the Hyatt business flourished. Penny has two younger brothers, Tony and J. B. Pritzker, the current Governor of Illinois.

Growing up, Penny actively participated in the family business, even accompanying her father to hotels and inspecting the cleanliness of the ladies’ restrooms.

Tragedy struck in 1972 when her father, Don, passed away suddenly from a heart attack when Penny was just 13 years old. Following his death, Penny took on responsibilities, supporting her mother, Sue, who battled depression, and caring for her younger brothers.

At the age of 16, Penny expressed her interest in business to her grandfather, A.N. Pritzker, questioning why business discussions excluded her. Recognizing her passion for business, A.N. provided Penny with a summer course in accounting, nurturing her entrepreneurial spirit.

Penny’s educational journey took her to Castilleja School until 1977. She graduated from Harvard College in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in economics.

Following a tragic incident where her mother passed away after falling out of a tow truck, Penny returned to school, earning both a Juris Doctor and an MBA from Stanford University in 1985. This robust educational background laid the foundation for her future success in the business world.