Jonathan Garson Named Pixar’s Next President

Pixar Animation Studios has named Jonathan Garson as its next president, setting a January 4, 2027 transition as longtime leader Jim Morris moves into the role of president emeritus. The change reshapes the studio’s operational leadership while leaving Pete Docter in place as chief creative officer.

A planned handoff at the animation studio

Garson will oversee Pixar’s production and operations, including producers, department heads and post-production teams. He will work alongside Docter, whose role remains focused on creative direction. Both Garson and Morris will report to Disney Entertainment Studios chairman Alan Bergman.

The appointment elevates an executive with more than 30 years at Disney and 16 years working closely with Pixar. Garson joined Pixar in 2010, most recently served as general manager and previously led the studio’s worldwide marketing and franchise operation. His experience has included long-term planning across films, consumer products, theme parks and other parts of the Disney business.

Morris has spent 21 years at Pixar and 12 as president. He will step away from daily management but remain involved in special projects, talent development, mentoring and technology initiatives. He is also expected to continue as an executive producer on Incredibles 3, which is scheduled for June 2028.

Jonas Rivera takes an expanded creative role

The leadership shift also moves Oscar-winning producer Jonas Rivera into the position of executive vice president of creative. Rivera will oversee directors, development, casting and content advisement in partnership with Docter. The pair will serve as executive producers across Pixar’s film slate.

Rivera’s history with the company reaches back to 1994, when he became Pixar’s first production intern. He later produced Up, Inside Out and Toy Story 4, and has held senior production responsibilities across the studio.

The new structure arrives as Pixar balances major franchises with original projects. Its announced slate includes Gatto for March 2027, Ghost Market for March 2028 and Incredibles 3 later that year.

Rather than replacing Pixar’s creative chief, the transition separates day-to-day operations from creative oversight and formalizes a three-person leadership team. Garson will manage production and business execution, while Docter and Rivera guide the filmmakers shaping the studio’s next releases.