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Disney’s Pixar Names Jonathan Garson as New President

Culture
The brief

In a significant leadership transition at Pixar Animation Studios, Jonathan Garson has been appointed as the new president, succeeding Jim Morris, who will move into the role of president emeritus. This change is set to take effect on January 4, 2027, marking the end of Morris's 12-year tenure as president and a total of 21 years with the studio. Garson, a veteran with over 30 years at Disney, will now work alongside Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, who continues to lead iconic franchises such as Toy Story and Inside Out.

Jim Morris's shift to president emeritus comes as he prepares for retirement, a move that reflects both a personal milestone and a strategic transition for Pixar. His leadership has been pivotal in shaping the studio's direction during his time, and his new role will allow him to provide guidance while stepping back from day-to-day operations. Jonathan Garson’s promotion signifies a continuity in Pixar's creative vision, as he has been part of the Disney family for three decades, contributing to various successful projects throughout his career.S2S3

This leadership change at Pixar is part of a broader organizational restructuring within the Walt Disney Company, aiming to ensure sustained creativity and innovation in its animation division. Alongside Garson's promotion, Jonas Rivera has been elevated to Executive Vice President of Creative, further solidifying the creative leadership team at Pixar. As the studio prepares for this transition, the focus remains on maintaining its legacy of storytelling and animation excellence.S4S5

Timeline · newest first
2h Deadline

Pixar Veteran Jim Morris Moving To Emeritus Position As Jonathan Garson Named New President

A big hand-off is underway at Disney’s Pixar animation studio as longtime 21-year vet Jim Morris will segue to President Emeritus after 12 years in the position. He’ll be succeeded…

2h Indiewire

Pixar Promotes Jonathan Garson to President, Taking Reins from Retiring Executive Jim Morris

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2h Variety

Pixar Names Jonathan Garson as President; Jim Morris Moves to Emeritus Role

Pixar Animation Studios is set to undergo a leadership change, After serving as president for 12 of his 21 years at the studio, Jim Morris will transition to a president emeritus r…

2h Thewrap

Longtime Pixar President Jim Morris to Step Down, Jonathan Garson Named Successor

Jonas Rivera has been elevated to EVP of Creative, with Pete Docter continuing as chief creative officer thewrap.com/">TheWrap.

Developing

Disney’s Pixar Names Jonathan Garson as New President

5 outlets 5 reports
The brief

In a significant leadership transition at Pixar Animation Studios, Jonathan Garson has been appointed as the new president, succeeding Jim Morris, who will move into the role of president emeritus. This change is set to take effect on January 4, 2027, marking the end of Morris's 12-year tenure as president and a total of 21 years with the studio. Garson, a veteran with over 30 years at Disney, will now work alongside Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter, who continues to lead iconic franchises such as Toy Story and Inside Out.

Jim Morris's shift to president emeritus comes as he prepares for retirement, a move that reflects both a personal milestone and a strategic transition for Pixar. His leadership has been pivotal in shaping the studio's direction during his time, and his new role will allow him to provide guidance while stepping back from day-to-day operations. Jonathan Garson’s promotion signifies a continuity in Pixar's creative vision, as he has been part of the Disney family for three decades, contributing to various successful projects throughout his career.S2S3

This leadership change at Pixar is part of a broader organizational restructuring within the Walt Disney Company, aiming to ensure sustained creativity and innovation in its animation division. Alongside Garson's promotion, Jonas Rivera has been elevated to Executive Vice President of Creative, further solidifying the creative leadership team at Pixar. As the studio prepares for this transition, the focus remains on maintaining its legacy of storytelling and animation excellence.S4S5

Timeline · newest first

Sources · 5 citations

S1 Investing 1 report · EN
S2 Deadline 1 report · EN
S3 IndiewireLead 1 report · EN
S4 Variety 1 report · EN
S5 Thewrap 1 report · EN