Pixar Animation Studios is preparing for a leadership change
After serving as president for 12 of his 21 years at the studio, Jim Morris will transition into the role of president emeritus. Jonathan Garson will become the studio’s new president, in partnership with Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter.
In his new role as president, Garson will oversee all production and operations, including producers, department heads and post-production, for Pixar, which most recently released the billion-dollar hit “Toy Story 5” and will soon release original animated films “Gatto” and “Ghost Market.” As chairman emeritus, Morris will continue to executive produce “Incredibles 3,” which is scheduled for release in June 2028. More broadly, it will focus on talent development and mentoring at Pixar and Walt Disney Studios, as well as technology initiatives that will support the studios’ storytellers and artists.
Garson and Morris will report to Alan Bergman, president of Disney Entertainment and Studios at The Walt Disney Company, who announced leadership changes effective Wednesday, January 4, 2027.
“Having worked closely with Jim Morris for more than 20 years, I have great respect for his leadership and unwavering commitment to Pixar and its people,” Bergman said in a statement. “He is not only a great business partner, but also a great friend. This transition will ensure a smooth transition for the team as we prepare for his eventual retirement.”
Bergman said Garson “has proven to be an extraordinary leader with a strong understanding of what makes Pixar unique and how storytelling comes to life for fans in so many ways.” Pete Docter and I are excited to have him step into this role.”
Bergman also announced that Jonas Rivera will step into the expanded role of executive vp creative, leading filmmakers and development and working closely with both Docter and Garson. “Jonas Rivera brings a wealth of creative expertise that will benefit the team as he works even more closely with Pete,” Bergman concluded.
Morris joined Pixar in 2005 after a long tenure at Lucasfilm and ILM; where he served as managing director of ILM and later as president of Lucas Digital Ltd., where he oversaw visual effects work on dozens of landmark films. He was named president in 2014, replacing the studio’s first president, Ed Catmull. During Morris’ tenure, Pixar’s feature films have grossed more than $12 billion at the global box office, continuing his legacy of critical acclaim and cultural relevance.
“It has been the privilege of my life to lead Pixar, and I am honored to be the custodians of its legacy alongside the extraordinary artists, storytellers, and technologists who are redefining what animation can do and expanding the art of cinema,” said Morris. “After 52 years in business and almost 40 years at Lucasfilm and Pixar, I will be stepping back from day-to-day life, but I am excited to begin directing a number of special projects at Pixar, working alongside my friends Pete, Jonathan and Jonas, and of course Alan Bergman, who has been a great supporter of Pixar over the years.”
Morris continued: “Looking forward, I can’t think of anyone better than Jonathan to carry forward the legacy of this beloved studio. He is a Pixar person through and through, a fierce advocate for our movies, our people and our culture. Pixar is in great hands.”
Garson has been with Disney for more than 30 years and joined Pixar in 2010, working closely with Docter and Morris. He most recently served as Pixar’s chief executive and previously led the marketing and franchise team.
“I still remember seeing ‘Toy Story’ for the first time; I never imagined I would one day work at Pixar, let alone step into such a leadership role,” Garson said. “Every day when I walk through this door I am reminded of how special this place is and how lucky I am to be a part of it.”
“Jim showed me what it is like to maintain this culture of quality, innovation and creative passion, and I am extremely grateful to both him and Alan for their trust and support,” he continued. “This is a humbling opportunity, and I look forward to working with Pete, Jonas, the production leadership team led by Katherine Sarafian and Lindsey Collins, and all the incredible talent at Pixar as we continue to push boundaries and lead our studio into the future.”
Rivera’s history with Pixar dates back to 1994. He has worked on nearly every Pixar release since then, winning Oscars for “Inside Out” and “Toy Story 4”; He earned a best picture nomination for his first feature film as a producer, “Up”; and executive produced “Inside Out 2,” the studio’s biggest worldwide hit and one of the biggest animated films in history.
“This place, its people, and its stories have been my life’s work since I walked through these doors as Pixar’s first production intern,” Rivera said. “I am incredibly honored to step into this new role with Pete, partnering with Pete and Jonathan to support our incredible filmmakers and artists. Jim was an extraordinary mentor and leader, and I look to build on the lessons I learned from him as we look to our next chapter.”