Pixar Promotes Jonathan Garson to President

Jim Morris will step down as president of Pixar Animation Studios after 12 years in the role, a transition that marks the end of a tenure during which the studio's films earned more than $12 billion at the global box office. Effective January 4, 2027, Jonathan Garson will assume the presidency. Morris will retain the title of president emeritus and continue serving as executive producer for Incredibles 3, which is scheduled for a June 2028 theatrical release.

Alan Bergman, chairman of Disney Entertainment and Studios at The Walt Disney Company, announced the leadership changes on Wednesday. Bergman stated that Morris will focus on talent development, mentoring, and technology initiatives across Pixar and Walt Disney Studios. The new leadership structure pairs Garson with Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter.

In his new position, Garson will oversee all production and operations at Pixar. This responsibility includes managing the studio's producers, department heads, and post-production teams. The studio recently released the billion-dollar hit Toy Story 5 and has two original animated films, Gatto and Ghost Market, in its upcoming slate.

Bergman praised Garson's leadership and his understanding of Pixar's unique storytelling culture. He described Garson as an exceptional leader who has worked closely with the studio's creative team. Bergman also announced that Jonas Rivera will move into an expanded creative executive vice president role. Rivera will lead filmmakers and development, working directly with both Docter and Garson.

Morris joined Pixar in 2005 after serving as general manager at ILM and president of Lucas Digital Ltd. He became president in 2014, succeeding Ed Catmull. In a statement, Morris expressed his honor in leading the studio for 12 years. He noted that he has 52 years of experience in the industry and will step back from day-to-day operations to handle special projects.

Garson has worked at Disney for over 30 years and joined Pixar in 2010. He previously served as the studio's general manager and led its marketing and franchise team. Garson recalled first seeing Toy Story as a child and expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him by Morris and Bergman. He stated he looks forward to working with the production leadership team, including Katherine Sarafian and Lindsey Collins.

Rivera, who has been with Pixar since 1994, will lead filmmakers and development in his new role. He has worked on nearly every Pixar release and won Oscars for Inside Out and Toy Story 4. Rivera executive produced Inside Out 2, which became one of the biggest animated films in history. He said he intends to build on the lessons learned from his mentor, Morris, as the studio moves forward.