The Walt Disney Company disclosed a major leadership reshuffle at its flagship animation studio on Wednesday. Effective January 4, , Jonathan Garson will step into the role of president of Pixar Animation Studios, while Jim Morris, who has steered the studio for the past twelve years, will transition to the title of president emeritus. Both executives will continue to report to Alan Bergman, chairman of Disney Entertainment and Studios, ensuring a seamless hand-off that preserves Pixar’s storied culture of innovation.
Garson’s elevation marks the culmination of a three-decade tenure with Disney, including a decade at Pixar where he most recently served as general manager. Prior to that, he guided the studio’s marketing and franchise operations, shaping the global reach of beloved characters. In his new capacity, Garson will oversee all aspects of production and studio operations, partnering closely with Pete Docter, Pixar’s chief creative officer. Bergman praised Garson’s deep understanding of the studio’s DNA, noting that his leadership style aligns with the “quality, innovation, and creative ambition” that have defined Pixar for generations.
Jonathan Garson takes the helm at Pixar
As president, Garson will be responsible for coordinating the work of producers, department heads, and post-production teams, ensuring that each project adheres to the studio’s exacting standards. He highlighted the personal significance of the appointment, recalling his first encounter with “Toy Story” and the unexpected path that led him from awe-struck viewer to executive leader. “Every day I walk through those doors I’m reminded how special this place is,” Garson said, adding that Jim Morris’s mentorship has been instrumental in shaping his vision for the future.
Garson also signaled an intent to deepen collaboration with the studio’s creative leadership. He will work alongside Docter and the newly elevated Jonas Rivera, who will assume an expanded executive vice president of creative role. Together, they will serve as executive producers on every Pixar feature, guiding narrative development, casting, and content advisory functions. This triad aims to sustain the pipeline of original storytelling that has positioned Pixar at the forefront of animated cinema.
Jim Morris transitions to president emeritus
Jim Morris’s shift to president emeritus reflects a strategic move to retain his institutional knowledge while granting him flexibility to focus on select projects. Over his 21-year Pixar career, 12 of which were spent as president, Morris has overseen a portfolio that generated more than $12 billion at the global box office. In his new capacity, he will act as executive producer on the highly anticipated “Incredibles 3”, slated for a theatrical release in June 2028, and will spearhead talent-development initiatives, mentorship programs, and technology-driven efforts that support the studio’s artists and storytellers.
Speaking about his impending retirement, Morris reflected on the privilege of stewarding Pixar’s legacy. “After 52 years in the business, and almost 40 at Lucasfilm and Pixar, I’ll be stepping back from the day-to-day, but I’m thrilled to move into handling a number of special projects,” he remarked. He also conveyed confidence in Garson’s ability to safeguard the studio’s culture, describing him as “a Pixar person through and through.”
Creative leadership reshuffle and upcoming slate
Rivera’s promotion to executive vice president of creative cements his influence over the studio’s artistic direction. Having joined Pixar in 1994 as its first production intern, Rivera has contributed to almost every release, earning Oscars for “Inside Out” and “Toy Story 4”, and a best-picture nomination for “Up”. In his expanded role, he will oversee directors, creative vice presidents, development, casting, and content-advisement departments, working hand-in-hand with Docter and Garson to nurture the next generation of filmmakers.
Pixar’s recent commercial triumph, “Toy Story 5”, hauled over $1.1 billion worldwide, ranking it among the top-ten animated grossers of all time. The studio’s pipeline now includes two original features—“Gatto” scheduled for March and “Ghost Market” set for March 2028—followed by the long-awaited sequel “Incredibles 3” in June 2028. This blend of sequels and fresh narratives showcases Pixar’s commitment to both franchise stewardship and bold, new storytelling.
Overall, the leadership transition signals continuity rather than disruption. With Garson’s operational expertise, Morris’s mentorship legacy, and Rivera’s creative stewardship, Pixar is positioned to uphold its reputation for groundbreaking animation while exploring uncharted narrative territories.
