Pixar Animation Studios will have a new president in January. Disney named Jonathan Garson to the job Wednesday, and Jim Morris, who has led the studio for 12 years, moves to an emeritus role.
Garson takes over Jan. 4, 2027. He oversees production and operations at Pixar, including its producers, department heads and post-production, and works in partnership with Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter. A Disney veteran of three decades, Garson most recently served as Pixar’s general manager after running its marketing and franchise team. Disney Entertainment chairman Alan Bergman, to whom Garson and Morris both report, announced the changes and described Garson as an exceptional leader with a sharp sense of what makes Pixar distinct.
Garson recalled seeing “Toy Story” for the first time and never imagining he would one day work at the studio, let alone lead it.
Morris joined Pixar in 2005 from Lucasfilm and Industrial Light & Magic and succeeded co-founder Ed Catmull as president in 2014. Pixar’s features grossed more than $12 billion worldwide during his tenure. Bergman called the move a plan for his eventual retirement and said it ensures a smooth succession. Morris stays on as executive producer of “Incredibles 3,” due in June 2028, and will focus on talent development, mentorship and technology work.
Disney also expanded the role of Jonas Rivera, who becomes executive vice president of creative. Rivera, Pixar’s first production intern when he arrived in 1994, will oversee directors, creative vice presidents, development, casting and content advisement, working alongside Docter. The two will serve as executive producers on every Pixar film.
The handoff comes at a strong moment for the studio. “Toy Story 5” crossed $1 billion at the global box office, and original films “Gatto” and “Ghost Market” are on the release schedule. Pixar’s recent output has leaned heavily on sequels and franchise titles, which makes Garson’s marketing and franchise background notable. Disney has not said whether the leadership shift will change the studio’s mix of new stories and returning characters.
