Jonathan Garson has been promoted to the role of President at Pixar Animation Studios, while tenured executive Jim Morris moves into the role of President Emeritus as he prepares for retirement. The Walt Disney Co., which owns Pixar, announced a leadership change Wednesday afternoon.
Garson, who spent 30 years at Disney and most recently served as Pixar’s general manager after leading its marketing and franchise team, will become chairman on January 4. In this role he will oversee production and operations at the animation giant, partnering with chief creative officer Pete Docter.
Disney says Morris, who has been with Pixar for 21 years and served as president for the past 12 years, will remain involved with Pixar through talent development, consulting and technology initiatives, as well as an executive producer role on “The Incredibles 3” (due out in June 2028). Both Garson and Morris will report to Alan Bergman, president of Disney Entertainment and Studios, The Walt Disney Company.
“Having worked closely with Jim Morris for more than 20 years, I greatly respect his leadership and unwavering commitment to Pixar and its people,” Bergman wrote in a statement leading the press release on the leadership change. “He is not only a tremendous partner in the business but also a great friend. As we prepare for his eventual retirement, this transition will ensure a smooth succession for the team.”
Bergman adds, “With a deep background at both Pixar and Disney, Jonathan Garson has proven to be an extraordinary leader who has a deep understanding of what makes Pixar unique and how its stories come to life in so many ways for fans, and Pete Docter and I are excited for him to step into this role. Additionally, Jonas Rivera brings a wealth of creative expertise that will serve the team well as he works even more closely with Pete Let’s work.”
Morris’ statement follows: “Leading Pixar has been the privilege of a lifetime, and I am honored to be the steward of its legacy alongside the extraordinary artists, storytellers, and technologists who continue to redefine what animation can do and expand the art of cinema. After 52 years in the business, and nearly 40 years at Lucasfilm and Pixar, I am stepping back from the day-to-day, but I am looking forward to many special tasks.” I’m thrilled to be taking over the projects, working with my friends Pete, Jonathan and Jonas at Pixar, and of course Alan Bergman, who has been such a supporter of Pixar for years, I can’t think of anyone better than Jonathan to carry on the legacy of this beloved studio. He’s a Pixar person through and through, a staunch champion of our films, our people, and our culture.
Garson then writes, “I still remember watching ‘Toy Story’ for the first time — I never thought I’d one day work at Pixar, let alone step into such a leadership role. Every day when I walk in the door here, I’m reminded of how special this place is and how lucky I am to be a part of it. Jim has shown me what it looks like to protect this culture of quality, innovation, and creative ambition, and I look up to both him and Alan.” “I’m extremely grateful for the trust and support. This is a humbling opportunity, and I look forward to working with the production leadership team led by Pete, Jonas, Catherine Sarafian and Lindsay Collins, and all the extraordinary talent here at Pixar as we move forward to push the boundaries and lead our studio into the future.”
Along with Garson, Pixar will also appoint Jonas Rivera to the position of Executive Vice President of Creative, overseeing directors, creative vice presidents, development, casting and content consulting departments in partnership with Docter. The two will serve as executive producers on all Pixar films.
Rivera said, “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.” “I am extremely honored to partner with him and Jonathan, as I step into this new role with Pete to support our incredible filmmakers and artists. Jim has been an extraordinary mentor and leader, and I look forward to building on the lessons I’ve learned from him as we look to our next chapter.”
Pixar is coming off the heels of the success of the sequel “Toy Story 5,” which grossed more than $1.1 billion at the global box office and ranks as the 10th-highest-grossing animated feature of all time. Next up are two original features – “Ghetto” in March and “Ghost Market” in March 2028 – followed by “Incredibles 3.”