Former
Pixar president Dr. Ed Catmull will serve as president of the new Pixar and Disney
animation studios, reporting to Iger and The Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick
Cook.
In
addition, former Pixar executive vice president John Lasseter, will be chief creative
officer of the animation studios, as well as principal creative advisor at Walt
Disney Imagineering, where he will provide his expertise in the design of new
attractions for Disney theme parks around the world. Lasseter will report directly
to Iger.
Former
Pixar chairman and CEO Steve Jobs has joined Disney's board of directors as a
non-independent member. With the addition of Jobs, 11 of Disney's 14 Directors
are independent.
"For
the last 15 years, Disney and Pixar have shared one of the most successful partnerships
in entertainment history. From Toy Story through The Incredibles,
the success of these animated films was due to the creativity, innovation and
immense talent of the phenomenal Pixar team, led by Steve, Ed and John. We also
fully recognize that Pixar's extraordinary record of achievement is in large measure
due to its vibrant creative culture, which is something we respect and admire
and are committed to supporting and fostering in every way possible. As we begin
the next chapter, all of us at Disney are pleased to welcome the incredibly talented
Pixar team to our company to continue to create quality entertainment for audiences
to enjoy around the world," said Iger.