MUMBAI: Disney animation executive Andrew Millstein has been named Walt Disney Animation Studios GM in the US.

Industry effects production veteran Jim Morris will take on a parallel role as Pixar Animation Studios GM. The announcement was made by Walt Disney and Pixar Animation Studios president Ed Catmull. Both executives will be responsible for guiding overall operations of their respective studios, and will continue to oversee all aspects of production related to animated features, short films and special animated projects. They will report directly to Catmull.

Catmull says, "Jim and Andrew are two of the most talented, capable, and experienced production executives working in animation today, and we're fortunate to have them running the day-to-day operations of our two animation studios. Andrew has been a key player at Disney for over 11 years and has had experience running studios and dealing with all of the technical and creative issues associated with that role. Jim is one of the most respected figures in the world of special effects and was instrumental in creating some of ILM's greatest achievements.

"Most recently, he did an incredible job producing WallL-E for Pixar, and has assumed an important role in that studio's overall operations. As general managers, Andrew and Jim will continue to lend their guidance and expertise to all of our upcoming production efforts."