Who is the Disney executive credited with believing that 3D animation was the future in the early 2000s?

The Disney executive credited with believing that 3D animation was the future in the early 2000s is Michael Eisner. During his tenure as CEO of The Walt Disney Company, Eisner was instrumental in guiding the company through significant changes in the animation industry, particularly as computer-generated imagery (CGI) began to gain traction. Under his leadership, Disney recognized the potential of 3D animation, which was exemplified by the success of Pixar's films, beginning with "Toy Story" in 1995. Eisner's vision helped shape Disney's strategy to embrace the technological advancements in animation, leading to a greater focus on 3D animated features as a way to remain competitive in the evolving cinematic landscape. This foresight allowed Disney to capitalize on the burgeoning popularity of CGI animation, influencing the direction of the studio's future projects.