Pixar Animation Studios has announced a leadership change, with Jonathan Garson set to become its new president on January 4, 2027. Jim Morris, who has served as president for 12 years, will move into a president emeritus role.
Garson will lead Pixar’s production and operations, working alongside Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter. His responsibilities will include overseeing producers, department heads and post-production.
The changes were announced by Alan Bergman, chairman of Disney Entertainment and Studios, who said the transition would help ensure a smooth leadership succession.
Jim Morris to Focus on Mentoring and Special Projects
Morris will continue with Pixar as president emeritus, focusing on talent development, mentoring and technology initiatives that support the studio’s artists and storytellers.
He will also remain executive producer of Incredibles 3, which is scheduled for a theatrical release in June 2028.
Morris joined Pixar in 2005 after a long career at Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). He became president in 2014, succeeding Ed Catmull. During his tenure, Pixar’s feature films generated more than $12 billion at the global box office.
Morris said he was honored to have helped guide Pixar and expressed confidence in Garson’s ability to lead the studio.
Jonathan Garson’s Pixar Background
Garson has spent more than 30 years at Disney and joined Pixar in 2010. He has worked closely with Morris and Docter and most recently served as Pixar’s general manager.
He previously led Pixar’s marketing and franchise team. Garson said he looks forward to working with Pixar’s creative and production teams to continue the studio’s storytelling and innovation.
Pixar’s upcoming projects include the original animated films Gatto and Ghost Market, alongside its established franchises.
Jonas Rivera Takes on Expanded Creative Role
Disney also announced an expanded role for Jonas Rivera, who will become executive vice president of creative. Rivera will lead filmmakers and development and work closely with Docter and Garson.
Rivera joined Pixar as a production intern in 1994 and has worked on nearly every Pixar release. He won Academy Awards for Inside Out and Toy Story 4, produced Up, which received a Best Picture nomination, and executive produced Inside Out 2.
The leadership changes mark a new chapter for Pixar as it continues developing films and supporting its creative teams.
