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Former Pixar Exec Heads to GSA's Technology Transformation Service

Rob Cook, former vice president of software development for Pixar, will help drive new and emerging technologies at the federal level.

The General Services Administration (GSA) announced Thursday, Oct. 27, that former Pixar executive Rob Cook will be stepping into one of the agency’s key technology transformation roles.

According to a press release, Cook was selected as commissioner of the Technology Transformation Service (TTS), a role designed to assist the federal government with the adoption and implementation of new and emerging technology.

“Rob is someone who has considerable experience both in delivering great technology and in building great organizations,” said GSA Administrator Denise Roth in the release. “I can’t think of a better or more qualified individual to take our emerging technology efforts at GSA to the next level.”

Cook started his career with the Emeryville-based animation company in 1981 as a software engineer and was largely responsible for the RenderMan animation software Pixar has used in 19 of the last 20 films to receive Oscars for Visual Effects. 

In 1989, Cook left Pixar to start a digital imaging company, after which he became CEO of Numinous, a software company that ultimately was sold to Microsoft. He then returned to the animation studio as vice president of software development. 

"We are thrilled to welcome Rob Cook to the federal government," said U.S. Chief Information Officer Tony Scott in the release. "Rob's renowned experience, both as a software developer and in cultivating innovative teams throughout his career, are incredible additions to our long-term goal of enhancing the way government uses technology to deliver world-class services for citizens."


Since 2012, Cook had been working as a business consultant in Silicon Valley. His first day on the job will be Oct. 31.

Eyragon Eidam is the web editor for Government Technology magazine, after previously serving as assistant news editor and covering such topics as legislation, social media and public safety. He can be reached at eeidam@erepublic.com.