John Hayward Williams (born June 17, 1953) is an American film producer known for his work both in live-action and in animation. He is mainly known for Shrek (2001), Shrek 2 (2004), Shrek the Third (2007), and Shrek Forever After (2010). He is the founder and owner of his own company, Vanguard Films which produces live-action and animated (through its sister skein Vanguard Animation) products.