Lasseter announced a six-month leave of absence in November following various news outlets’ reports of Lasseter’s alleged sexual misconduct within the company.
Lasseter is a noted friend of Studio Ghibli co-founder and director Hayao Miyazaki, and Lasseter directed the English dub or executive-produced the English releases of several Ghibli films, including Spirited Away, Porco Rosso, and Ponyo.
Lasseter directed Toy Story, Toy Story 2, and Cars, and has also overseen and is credited as producer or executive producer for all of Pixar’s films.
In a statement, Lasseter said that he has “decided the end of this year is the right time to begin focusing on new creative challenges.”