California — Pixar Names Jonathan Garson as President; Jim Morris Moves to Emeritus Role
Pixar Animation Studios is preparing for a major leadership transition, with Jonathan Garson appointed as the studio’s new president and longtime executive Jim Morris moving into a president emeritus position.
Morris, who has spent 21 years at Pixar, including 12 as president, will step away from his current responsibilities. Garson will take over the position and work alongside Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter.
As president, Garson will be responsible for overseeing Pixar’s production and operational activities, including its producers, department heads and post-production teams. The studio’s recent release was the billion-dollar hit “Toy Story 5,” while its upcoming original animated projects include “Gatto” and “Ghost Market.”
Morris will continue contributing to Pixar as president emeritus, retaining his role as executive producer of “Incredibles 3,” which is scheduled to arrive in theaters in June 2028. His responsibilities will also include mentoring and developing talent throughout Pixar and Walt Disney Studios, alongside technology initiatives designed to support the studios’ storytellers and artists.
Alan Bergman, chairman of Disney Entertainment and Studios at The Walt Disney Company, announced the appointments on Wednesday. Both Garson and Morris will report to Bergman, with the changes taking effect Jan. 4, 2027.
Bergman praised Morris for his more than two decades of leadership and dedication to Pixar and its employees.
“Having worked closely with Jim Morris for more than 20 years, I have enormous respect for his leadership and unwavering commitment to Pixar and its people,” Bergman said in a statement. “He’s not only a tremendous partner in business but a great friend. As we prepare for his eventual retirement, this transition will ensure a smooth succession for the team.”
He also expressed confidence in Garson’s ability to lead the studio, describing him as an exceptional executive who understands Pixar’s distinctive identity and storytelling approach. Bergman said he and Docter were looking forward to Garson taking on the position.
The leadership changes also include an expanded creative executive vice president role for Jonas Rivera. He will oversee filmmakers and development while working closely with Docter and Garson.
“Jonas Rivera brings a wealth of creative expertise that will serve the team well as he works even more closely with Pete,” Bergman said.
Morris arrived at Pixar in 2005 following an extensive career at Lucasfilm and ILM. During his time there, he served as ILM’s general manager before becoming president of Lucas Digital Ltd., overseeing visual effects production for dozens of landmark movies.
In 2014, Morris succeeded Ed Catmull as Pixar’s president, becoming the second person to hold the position. Under his leadership, the studio’s feature films have accumulated more than $12 billion in worldwide box office revenue while maintaining their critical reputation and cultural influence.
Reflecting on his departure from the day-to-day leadership role, Morris described heading Pixar as the greatest privilege of his career.
“Leading Pixar has been the privilege of a lifetime, and I’m honoured to have been a steward of its legacy alongside extraordinary artists, storytellers, and technologists who keep redefining what animation can do and expanding the art of cinema,” Morris stated.
He added that after 52 years in the entertainment industry, including almost 40 years at Lucasfilm and Pixar, he was ready to step back from daily operations. However, he intends to remain involved through special projects alongside Docter, Garson, Rivera and Bergman.
Morris also voiced strong support for his successor, saying Garson was ideally suited to preserve Pixar’s legacy.
“Looking ahead, I can’t think of anyone better than Jonathan to carry the legacy of this beloved studio forward. He’s a Pixar person through and through, a fierce champion of our films, our people, and our culture. Pixar is in very good hands,” Morris said.
Garson brings more than 30 years of experience at Disney and joined Pixar in 2010. He has worked closely with Docter and Morris, most recently serving as the studio’s general manager. His previous responsibilities also included leading Pixar’s marketing and franchise operations.
Garson recalled his first experience watching “Toy Story” and said he never expected that he would eventually become part of Pixar’s leadership.
“I still remember seeing ‘Toy Story’ for the first time – never imagining I’d one day work at Pixar, let alone step into a leadership role such as this,” Garson stated. “Every day I walk in the door here, I’m reminded just how special this place is and how lucky I am to be a part of it.”
He credited Morris with demonstrating how to protect Pixar’s standards of quality, innovation and creative ambition, while thanking Morris and Bergman for their confidence and support.
Garson also highlighted his plans to work with Docter, Rivera, the production leadership team led by Katherine Sarafian and Lindsey Collins, and Pixar’s wider workforce as the studio continues developing its creative direction.
Rivera, meanwhile, has been part of Pixar’s history since 1994, when he joined as the studio’s first production intern. Over the years, he has contributed to almost every Pixar release.
His accomplishments include Oscar wins for “Inside Out” and “Toy Story 4,” as well as a Best Picture nomination for “Up,” his first feature film as a producer. He also served as executive producer of “Inside Out 2,” which became Pixar’s biggest worldwide box office success and one of the highest-grossing animated films in history.
Rivera said his career and creative work have been closely connected to Pixar since his earliest days at the studio.
“Ever since I walked through these doors as Pixar’s first production intern, this place, its people, and its stories have been my life’s work,” Rivera stated.
He described his expanded position as a great honour and said he looked forward to collaborating with Docter and Garson to support Pixar’s filmmakers and artists. Rivera also acknowledged Morris as an influential mentor whose leadership lessons would guide him as the studio enters its next chapter.
Original article
Comments