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

Pixar Animation Studios is initiating a significant leadership transition set to take effect on January 4, 2027, marking the end of Jim Morris’s presidency after more than a decade at the helm. Jonathan Garson will assume the role of president, overseeing the studio’s comprehensive production and operational activities.

Jim Morris has been a pivotal figure at Pixar since joining in 2005, bringing with him extensive experience from Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic. His tenure as president, which began in 2014, has coincided with a period of immense commercial success and critical acclaim for Pixar, whose cumulative box office revenue has surpassed $12 billion. His leadership is credited with maintaining the studio’s reputation for innovation and storytelling excellence.

In his new capacity as president emeritus, Morris will step back from daily management to focus on mentoring emerging talent and spearheading technological initiatives that enhance the creative processes at both Pixar and Walt Disney Studios. Notably, he will remain actively involved as executive producer on the upcoming "Incredibles 3," scheduled for release in June 2028, ensuring continuity on one of Pixar’s flagship franchises.

Jonathan Garson’s ascension to the presidency reflects a continuity of leadership deeply rooted in Pixar’s culture. Having been with Disney for over 30 years and joining Pixar in 2010, Garson has cultivated a close working relationship with Pixar’s creative leaders, including Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter. Garson’s background includes managing marketing and franchise operations, as well as serving as the studio’s general manager, positioning him well to guide Pixar’s future endeavors.

Garson’s leadership mandate includes oversight of all facets of production and operations, encompassing the studio’s producers, department heads, and post-production teams. This comprehensive responsibility comes at a pivotal moment, with Pixar fresh from the box-office triumph of "Toy Story 5" and preparing to launch new original animated features such as "Gatto" and "Ghost Market."

Adding to the leadership reshuffle, Jonas Rivera is set to expand his role as creative executive vice president. Rivera, a Pixar veteran since 1994, has an extensive portfolio including producing Oscar-winning features like "Inside Out" and "Toy Story 4," along with the critically acclaimed "Up." His expanded duties will involve close collaboration with Docter and Garson to nurture the studio’s creative vision and support its filmmakers.

Alan Bergman, chairman of Disney Entertainment and Studios, will continue to oversee the leadership team, underscoring the importance of a smooth and strategic succession plan. Bergman’s endorsement of both Morris’s legacy and Garson’s capabilities signals confidence in the studio’s direction moving forward.

This transition at Pixar underscores a balance between honoring the studio’s established creative legacy and embracing new leadership poised to navigate the evolving landscape of animation and global entertainment. With Garson’s deep institutional knowledge and Rivera’s creative acumen complementing Docter’s artistic vision, Pixar is positioned to sustain its trajectory of innovation and storytelling excellence.

While Jim Morris prepares to step away from daily operations after more than two decades at Pixar and nearly 40 years in the industry, his ongoing involvement in mentorship and special projects ensures his influence will persist. Meanwhile, Garson’s appointment marks a new chapter that promises to uphold Pixar’s distinctive culture and creative ambition as the studio approaches future milestones.