Jim Morris (left) and Jonathan Garson Disney/Pixar (2) Pixar Animation Studios is drawing up a plan for its next leadership chapter.
Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman announced Wednesday that Jonathan Garson will become Pixar’s new president, while longtime studio exec Jim Morris will transition to a president emeritus position. With Pete Docter continuing to lead Pixar as chief creative officer, Jonas Rivera moves into an expanded role as creative executive vp overseeing filmmakers and development and will work closely with Garson and Docter. The changes take effect Jan. 4, 2027.
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In his new role, Garson will partner with Docter in overseeing all Pixar production and operations. In segueing to president emeritus, Morris continues as executive producer of Incredibles 3 and will also handle talent development at Pixar and Walt Disney Studios as a whole, along with focusing on technology initiatives. Both Garson and Morris will report to Bergman.
“Having worked closely with Jim Morris for more than 20 years, I have enormous respect for his leadership and unwavering commitment to Pixar and its people,” Bergman said in a statement. “He’s not only a tremendous partner in business but a great friend. As we prepare for his eventual retirement, this transition will ensure a smooth succession for the team.”
Bergman added, “With a deep background at both Pixar and Disney, Jonathan Garson has proven to be an exceptional leader with a strong sense of what makes Pixar unique and how its storytelling comes to life in so many ways for fans, and Pete Docter and I are excited for him to step into this role. In addition, Jonas Rivera brings a wealth of creative expertise that will serve the team well as he works even more closely with Pete.”
Having served as president for 12 years, Morris started his Pixar run in 2005 after a lengthy stint at Lucasfilm and ILM. Throughout Morris’ tenure, Pixar movies have surpassed $12 billion at the worldwide box office.
“Leading Pixar has been the privilege of a lifetime, and I’m honored to have been a steward of its legacy alongside extraordinary artists, storytellers, and technologists who keep redefining what animation can do and expanding the art of cinema,” Morris said. “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, working alongside my friends Pete, Jonathan and Jonas at Pixar, and of course Alan Bergman, who has been such a supporter of Pixar throughout the years.”
He continued, “Looking ahead, I can’t think of anyone better than Jonathan to carry the legacy of this beloved studio forward. He’s a Pixar person through and through, a fierce champion of our films, our people and our culture. Pixar is in very good hands.”
Garson has been with Disney for more than three decades and began his time with Pixar in 2010. He collaborated closely with Docter and Morris over the past 16 years, most recently serving as Pixar’s general manager after previously leading the marketing and franchise team.
“I still remember seeing Toy Story for the first time — never imagining I’d one day work at Pixar, let alone step into a leadership role such as this,” said Garson. “Every day I walk in the door here, I’m reminded just 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 safeguard this culture of quality, innovation and creative ambition, and I’m extremely grateful to both him and Alan for their trust and support. It’s a humbling opportunity, and I look forward to working with Pete, Jonas, the production leadership team led by Katherine Sarafian and Lindsey Collins, and all of the extraordinary talent here at Pixar as we continue to push boundaries and lead our studio into the future.”
Rivera will partner with Docter in overseeing Pixar’s directors and creative vps, along with the development, casting and content advisement departments. Both Rivera and Docter will executive produce every Pixar feature. Rivera started at Pixar in 1994 and has since worked on nearly every release, with his accolades including Oscar wins for Inside Out and Toy Story 4.
“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,” said Rivera. “I am deeply honored to step into this new role alongside Pete, partnering with him and Jonathan to support our incredible filmmakers and artists. Jim has been an extraordinary mentor and leader, and I intend to build on the lessons I learned from him as we look toward our next chapter.”
Pixar’s latest release was this summer’s Toy Story 5, which crossed the billion-dollar mark globally and is expected to generate awards attention. The studio’s next features include next year’s Gatto, with Ghost Market and Incredibles 3 set for 2028.
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