AceShowbiz - Pixar co-founder John Lasseter has been hired to run Skydance Animation just over a year after he announced a sabbatical from Disney following accusations of inappropriate behaviour with female colleagues.

Skydance CEO David Ellison made the announcement via a memo to staff on Wednesday, January 09, six months after Disney bosses opted to part ways with the award-winning animator following a leave of absence, which began after Lasseter confessed to "missteps" in an official apology.

The "Toy Story", "A Bug's Life", and "Cars 2" director will take on his new role later this month (January 2019).

"John is a singular creative and executive talent whose impact on the animation industry cannot be overstated," Ellison said in a press release. "He was responsible for leading animation into the digital age, while telling incomparable stories that continue to inspire and entertain audiences around the globe.

"We did not enter into this decision lightly. John has acknowledged and apologized for his mistakes and, during the past year away from the workplace, has endeavored to address and reform them."