Disney Animation’s Chief Creative Jennifer Lee Steps Down To Make ‘Frozen’ Sequels

Disney announced a leadership change in its animation division on Thursday, aiming to improve the quality of its films. Jennifer Lee, who has led Disney’s animation unit since 2018 and oversaw hits like Encanto and the less successful Strange World, will step down from her leadership role. However, she will continue working with Disney as a writer-director, focussing on the critically important Frozen franchise.

Jared Bush, 50, known for his work on Encanto, Zootopia and Moana, will succeed Lee as Chief Creative Officer of Walt Disney Animation Studios.

Lee, 52, began her career in 2012 by co-writing “Wreck-It Ralph.” The following year, she co-directed the Oscar-winning phenomenon “Frozen” with Chris Buck. In 2018, she made history as the first woman to lead Disney’s legendary animation studio.