Garson to Lead Pixar as President
Pixar named Jonathan Garson its next president, succeeding Jim Morris, with the change taking effect January 4, 2027.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in People
Pixar has named Jonathan Garson president effective January 4, 2027, succeeding Jim Morris, who served 21 years at the studio including 12 as president. Morris transitions to president emeritus and will remain involved in the studio's slate, talent development, mentorship and technology initiatives.
Why it matters
The leadership change places a studio executive with a long Disney background in charge of one of the country's best-known animation houses. Pixar also elevated Jonas Rivera to executive vice president of creative, while Pete Docter remains chief creative officer.
Morris's 21-year tenure at Pixar included 12 years as president, while Garson brings 16 years of Disney experience before joining Pixar in 2010. The announcement does not specify any changes to the studio's upcoming slate beyond continuity in current projects.
The players
Jonathan Garson
Garson is a longtime Disney and Pixar executive who previously led franchise and marketing efforts before being named Pixar's president.
Jim Morris
Morris led Pixar as president for 12 years over a 21-year career at the studio and now becomes president emeritus.
Pixar
Pixar is the Emeryville, California animation studio known for films such as Toy Story and The Incredibles.
The details
Garson previously served as vice president of franchise and product management at The Walt Disney Studios and later as senior vice president of worldwide marketing and franchise at Pixar. Rivera, formerly executive vice president of production, moves into the creative role as the studio's leadership is reorganized.
Timeline
2010: Garson joins Pixar.
January 4, 2027: Garson becomes Pixar president.
Industry Dynamics
Pixar's leadership transition follows Morris's 12-year presidency and marks the studio's continued reliance on executives with Disney backgrounds. The move comes as Pixar's slate, including Gatto in March 2027 and Incredibles 3 in June 2028, moves forward under new management.
For moviegoers, the leadership change does not alter scheduled releases, which include Gatto on March 5, 2027, and Incredibles 3 on June 16, 2028. Viewers can continue to expect the studio's upcoming films on their announced dates.
The takeaway
Pixar's leadership transition signals continuity in its creative direction, with Pete Docter remaining chief creative officer and Morris staying involved in the studio's future. Readers following the entertainment business can watch how Garson's tenure shapes the studio's upcoming slate.
What happens next
Garson officially takes over as Pixar president on January 4, 2027, and Gatto is scheduled for release March 5, 2027.
Further reading
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