Pixar co-founder retires – WSJ

As president of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar, Mr. Catmull, 73, is responsible for the studios behind some of the most popular animated titles in recent years, including "Toy Story", "Frozen" , "Inside Out" and "Up. "

Although little known to ordinary fans, Mr. Catmull has helped shape Disney's highly successful animation studios and oversees franchises such as "The Incredibles" and "Finding Nemo." Such films are at the heart of Disney's approach to entertainment. which allows the company to release a film, and then transform its characters into income generators via toys, suites and theme park attractions.

Mr. Catmull joined Lucasfilm Ltd. in 1979 to head the computer division of the company "Star Wars" after several years in the technology of cinema. In 1986, he co-founded Pixar with co-founder of Apple Inc. Steve Jobs and animation guru John Lasseter.

Disney acquired Pixar for $ 4 billion in 2006, when Catmull became president of Walt Disney Animation Studios and Pixar. Mr. Lasseter became the head of creative animation at Disney. He played a more public role than Mr. Catmull and was known to present upcoming movies at fan conventions.

Mr. Lasseter left Disney earlier this year after being accused of hugging or unknowingly harassing subordinates. Shortly after the end of the charges, he sent a letter to his employees asking them to apologize to "anyone who has ever been victimized by a hug or other unwanted gesture" ".

Mr. Catmull was however honored with the publication in 2014 of the book "Creativity, Inc.", a guide to the creative process that has become popular among business leaders and managers of the creation.

After Catmull's retirement, current Pixar President Jim Morris and Disney Animation Studios President Andrew Millstein will continue to play their roles, reporting to Alan Bergman, president of Disney Studios. Mr. Catmull will remain Disney's advisor until July 2019.

Write to Erich Schwartzel at [email protected]