Pixar has named Jonathan Garson its next president, while longtime studio leader Jim Morris will step back from the role and become president emeritus. The changes take effect January 4, 2027, according to an announcement by Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman.
Garson will work with Chief Creative Officer Pete Docter to oversee Pixar’s production and operations. He has been with Disney for more than 30 years and joined Pixar in 2010. Most recently, he served as the studio’s general manager, after previously leading its marketing and franchise team.
Morris, who has been Pixar president for 12 years, will continue as executive producer of Incredibles 3. In his new position, he will also work on talent development at Pixar and Walt Disney Studios, as well as technology initiatives. He began at Pixar in 2005 after working at Lucasfilm and ILM. Both Morris and Garson will report to Bergman.
Jonas Rivera has been promoted to creative executive vice president, with responsibility for working alongside Docter on the studio’s filmmakers and development. Rivera will also partner with Docter on Pixar’s directors and creative vice presidents, as well as its development, casting and content advisement departments. Docter and Rivera will executive produce every Pixar feature.
Rivera joined Pixar in 1994 and has worked on nearly all of the studio’s releases. His credits include Inside Out and Toy Story 4, for which he received Oscar wins. He said he would draw on Morris’s mentorship as he takes on the expanded role.
Morris described the change as a move away from day-to-day duties after 52 years in the industry, while saying he would remain involved in special projects. Bergman said the transition was designed to support a smooth succession.
Pixar’s upcoming features include Gatto next year, followed by Ghost Market and Incredibles 3 in 2028.
Sources: The Hollywood Reporter.