Dr. Edwin Catmull is a visionary computer scientist renowned for his pioneering contributions to computer graphics and animation. He co-founded Pixar Animation Studios in 1986 and served as its President for 33 years, while also leading Walt Disney Animation Studios as President for 13 years. Born on March 31, 1945, Catmull earned dual B.S. degrees in physics and computer science followed by a Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Utah, where his foundational work in computer graphics began. Prior to Pixar, he held significant roles including Vice President of the Computer Division at Lucasfilm Ltd., where he managed development across computer graphics, video editing, video games, and digital audio.
Catmull's groundbreaking research has fundamentally transformed computer graphics through innovations in image compositing, motion blur, subdivision surfaces, and cloth simulation that established the theoretical and practical foundations for modern animation. As one of the principal architects of the RenderMan rendering software, he created a tool that has been used in over 90% of Academy Award-winning Visual Effects films over the past two decades. His leadership culminated in the 1995 release of Toy Story, the world's first feature-length computer-animated film, which revolutionized the animation industry and established a new paradigm for visual storytelling. Under his guidance, Pixar produced fourteen consecutive box office number one films, won thirty Academy Awards, and grossed over $8 billion, demonstrating the immense commercial and artistic potential of computer animation.
Beyond his technical contributions, Catmull has profoundly influenced organizational culture in creative industries through his influential book Creativity, Inc., which details his philosophy of fostering innovation through honest communication and collaborative problem-solving. He has received numerous prestigious honors including the ACM Turing Award, five Academy Awards (one for lifetime achievement), and the IEEE John von Neumann Medal for his fundamental contributions to computer graphics. Following his retirement from Pixar and Disney Animation in 2019, he continues to advise organizations on creative culture and strategic growth, notably joining Thatgamecompany as a principal adviser in 2022. His enduring legacy extends beyond technology to the very culture of innovation, as his principles of creative leadership continue to inspire organizations worldwide to cultivate environments where original thinking can flourish.
