Penny Pritzker

$4.14 B

Ranked #995 in World

About Penny Pritzker

Hailing from a distinguished lineage, Penny Sue Pritzker, born in Chicago, Illinois on May 2, 1959, synthesized her illustrious family's business acumen—originating from Hyatt Hotels co-founder Donald Pritzker—with her commendable educational arsenal from Harvard and Stanford. Escalating within Pritzker family's substantial business enterprises, she later transitioned to political prominence through unwavering support and major roles in Barack Obama's ascension and economic initiatives, while garnishing her portfolio with extensive civic and philanthropic leadership and fostering community growth alongside her husband, Bryan Traubert.

Born

May 02, 1959 in Chicago, Illinois, U.S.

Age

66 years

Source Of Wealth

Hotels, Investments

Industries

Finance & Investments

Citizenship

United States

Residence

Chicago, Illinois

Education

Bachelor of Arts/Science, Harvard University; Master of Business Administration, Stanford Graduate School of Business; Doctor of Jurisprudence, Stanford University

Spouse

Bryan Traubert

Children

Parent

Donald Pritzker (father)

Penny Sue Pritzker was born on May 2, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois. She comes from the prominent Pritzker family, renowned for their extensive business empire. Her father, Donald Pritzker, co-founded the renowned Hyatt Hotels. Penny attended Castilleja School and later graduated from Harvard College in 1981 with a Bachelor of Arts in economics. She further pursued her education at Stanford University, where she obtained a Juris Doctor and an MBA in 1985.

Penny Pritzker: Family

Penny Pritzker is a member of the prominent Pritzker family, known for their vast business empire. Her father, Donald Pritzker, co-founded Hyatt Hotels, and her uncle, Jay Pritzker, was a prominent businessman and philanthropist. Penny's cousins, Tom and Nick Pritzker, are also involved in the family's business ventures.

Penny Pritzker: Career Highlights

After completing her degrees, Penny Pritzker joined the Pritzker organization. She founded Classic Residence by Hyatt (later renamed Vi), a successful upscale housing venture for seniors. From 1991 to 1994, she served as the chairperson of Superior Bank of Chicago. In 1995, she was named as one of three successors to her uncle, Jay Pritzker, and oversaw the Pritzker family assets with her cousins Tom and Nick. The family's business empire encompassed over 200 businesses with an estimated value of $15 billion. Following Jay Pritzker's death in 1999, the family sold assets and dissolved their business ties.

Penny Pritzker: Companies

Penny Pritzker has been involved with several companies throughout her career. She founded Classic Residence by Hyatt (later renamed Vi), a leading provider of upscale housing for seniors. She also served as the chairperson of Superior Bank of Chicago. As part of the Pritzker family business empire, she was involved in overseeing a diverse portfolio of over 200 businesses, including Hyatt Hotels.

Penny Pritzker: Major Achievements

Penny Pritzker's major achievements include her successful leadership of Classic Residence by Hyatt, her role as the chairperson of Superior Bank of Chicago, and her involvement in the Pritzker family's vast business empire.

She has also made significant contributions to public service, serving as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce and playing a key role in promoting trade and economic development.

Penny Pritzker: Awards & Achievements

Penny Pritzker has received numerous awards and recognitions for her contributions to business and public service. She was named one of the "50 Most Powerful Women in Business" by Fortune magazine and was also recognized by Forbes magazine as one of the "World's 100 Most Powerful Women." She holds honorary degrees from several universities, including Harvard University and the University of Chicago.

Penny Pritzker: Personal Life & Legacy

Penny Pritzker is married to ophthalmologist Bryan Traubert, and they have two children together. She is known for her commitment to physical fitness and has completed multiple triathlons and marathons. Pritzker is also actively involved in civic and philanthropic activities, serving on various boards and organizations. Her legacy includes her contributions to business, public service, and her dedication to improving education and economic opportunities in Chicago.

Penny Pritzker: Trivia

Penny Pritzker is a close friend of former U.S. President Barack Obama and his family. She was an early supporter of Obama's political career and played a significant role in his 2008 presidential campaign. Pritzker is also an avid art collector and has served on the boards of several cultural institutions, including the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago.

Wealth History

Timeline

May 2, 1959

Penny Sue Pritzker is born in Chicago, Illinois.

1981

Graduates from Harvard College with a Bachelor of Arts in economics.

1985

Earns a Juris Doctor and an MBA from Stanford University.

1991-1994

Serves as chairperson of Superior Bank of Chicago.

1995

Named as one of three successors to her uncle, Jay Pritzker.

1999

Family business empire is dissolved after Jay Pritzker's death.

2008

Serves as national finance chair of Barack Obama's presidential campaign.

2013

Nominated by President Barack Obama and confirmed by the Senate as the 38th United States Secretary of Commerce.

2013-2017

Serves as the United States Secretary of Commerce.

2023

Appointed as U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery.

Penny Pritzker : FAQs

What is Penny Pritzker's current net worth?

Penny Pritzker's current net worth is $4.14 billion.

What is Penny Pritzker's current global rank among billionaires?

Penny Pritzker holds the 995th position globally among billionaires.

What is Penny Pritzker's current ranking within the United States?

Penny Pritzker holds the 376th position in United States.

What was the change in Penny Pritzker's net worth compared to the previous year?

Penny Pritzker's net worth decreased by 116.44 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when her net worth was 4.26 billion dollars.

What are Penny Pritzker's main sources of wealth?

Penny Pritzker's main source of income comes from Hotels, Investments.

In which industry does Penny Pritzker primarily operate?

Penny Pritzker is primarily involved in the Finance & Investments industry.

What is Penny Pritzker educational background?

Penny Pritzker holds a Bachelor of Arts/Science from Harvard University, a Master of Business Administration from Stanford Graduate School of Business and a Doctor of Jurisprudence from Stanford University.

How old is Penny Pritzker?

Penny Pritzker is 66 years old.

How many children does Penny Pritzker have?

Penny Pritzker has 2 children.

Who is Penny Sue Pritzker and what is her background?

Penny Sue Pritzker, born on May 2, 1959, in Chicago, Illinois, is a member of the notable Pritzker family and co-founder of Hyatt Hotels' daughter. She holds a BA in economics from Harvard College and a Juris Doctor and MBA from Stanford University.

What role has Penny Pritzker played in her family's business empire and what are some key accomplishments?

Penny Pritzker joined the family businesses post-education, founded Vi (formerly Classic Residence by Hyatt), was chairperson of Superior Bank, and managed family assets, significantly contributing to their 200 businesses including Hyatt Hotels, valued at $15 billion.

How did Penny Pritzker contribute to Barack Obama's political career and in government?

Penny Pritzker is a long-time friend of Barack Obama, served as national finance chair of his 2008 campaign, contributed to several economic advisory boards, and was appointed U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine's Economic Recovery in 2023.

What were Penny Pritzker's main focuses and achievements as the U.S. Secretary of Commerce?

As the 38th U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Penny Pritzker promoted trade and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, expanded the digital economy and intellectual property programs, and led initiatives like the E.U.–U.S. Privacy Shield and discussions on Cuban economic relations.

What are the civic, philanthropic, and personal pursuits of Penny Sue Pritzker?

Penny Pritzker has invested in education as part of Chicago's Board of Education, led philanthropic efforts through the Pritzker Traubert Family Foundation, and maintained personal health through triathlons and marathons. She is married to Bryan Traubert, with whom she has two children.