MUMBAI: Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter have been named as new chief creative officers (CCOs) for Disney’s animation division. While Docter will handle the Pixar Animation Studios, Lee will head the Walt Disney Animation Studios.
The appointments come after John Lasseter stepped down from his role last month as the CCO of Pixar and Disney Animation Studios. He resigned after admitting in 2017 that he had committed unspecified missteps that had left some employees feeling disrespectful and uncomfortable. However, he will continue to have a consulting role with the company until December 31.
Announcing his resignation, Lasseter issued a statement, saying, “The last six months have provided an opportunity to reflect on my life, career and personal priorities. While I remain dedicated to the art of animation and inspired by the creative talent at Pixar and Disney, I have decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges. I am extremely proud of what two of the most important and prolific animation studios have achieved under my leadership and I'm grateful for all the opportunities to follow my creative passion at Disney.”
Disney announced on Tuesday that Docter and Lee will have creative oversight of all films and associated projects of their respective studios reporting directly to Walt Disney Studios chairman Alan Horn.
In announcing their appointments, Horn said, "Jennifer Lee and Pete Docter are two of the most gifted filmmakers and storytellers I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with. Pete, the genius creative force behind Up, Inside Out and Monsters, Inc., has been an integral part of Pixar almost since the beginning and is a huge part of its industry-leading success. Jenn, in bringing her bold vision to the boundary-breaking Frozen, has helped infuse Disney Animation with a new and exciting perspective. Each of them embodies the unique spirit, culture and values of these renowned animation studios, and I couldn’t be more thrilled to have them to lead us into the future.”
While Lee and Docter will look into the creative affairs, Pixar Animation Studios president Jim Morris and Walt Disney Animation Studios president Andrew Millstein will continue in their roles. They will be responsible for the business side and report toDisney and Pixar Animation Studios president Ed Catmul.
