Jonathan Garson will become president of Pixar Animation Studios on Jan. 4, 2027, succeeding Jim Morris, who will move into a president emeritus role. Disney Entertainment co-chairman Alan Bergman announced the succession plan Wednesday, along with an expansion of Jonas Rivera’s responsibilities as creative executive vice president.
Garson will oversee Pixar’s production and operations in partnership with Pete Docter, who remains chief creative officer. Morris will retain his executive producer role on Incredibles 3 while taking on talent development work across Pixar and Walt Disney Studios and focusing on technology initiatives. Both Morris and Garson will report to Bergman.
Bergman described the changes as preparation for Morris’ eventual retirement and a way to provide continuity for the studio. He praised Morris’ leadership and dedication to Pixar’s employees, citing their working relationship of more than 20 years. Bergman also pointed to Garson’s experience at Disney and Pixar and Rivera’s creative expertise as strengths for the incoming leadership arrangement.
Morris has spent 12 years as Pixar’s president, having joined the studio in 2005 following a lengthy career at Lucasfilm and ILM. Pixar films have earned more than $12 billion worldwide during his tenure. Morris said he would step away from daily responsibilities after 52 years in the business, including almost 40 at Lucasfilm and Pixar, while continuing to collaborate with colleagues on special projects.
Garson’s Disney career spans more than three decades. He joined Pixar in 2010 and has worked closely with Morris and Docter over the past 16 years. Most recently the studio’s general manager, he previously led its marketing and franchise team. Garson credited Morris with demonstrating how to protect Pixar’s standards and creative culture, and said he looked forward to working with the studio’s talent and its production leadership team, led by Katherine Sarafian and Lindsey Collins.
Rivera’s expanded position will include working with Docter to oversee directors, creative vice presidents and the development, casting and content advisement departments. Rivera and Docter will also serve as executive producers on every Pixar feature. Rivera joined the company in 1994 as its first production intern and has contributed to nearly every release since then. His honors include Oscars for Inside Out and Toy Story 4.
Rivera described his new responsibilities as an opportunity to support Pixar’s filmmakers and artists alongside Docter and Garson. He also credited Morris as a mentor whose lessons would inform his work. Morris, in turn, expressed confidence in Garson’s ability to lead the studio and preserve its culture.
The transition follows the summer release of Toy Story 5, which exceeded $1 billion at the global box office and is expected to attract awards attention. Pixar’s upcoming feature slate includes Gatto in 2027, followed by Ghost Market and Incredibles 3 in 2028.
