SNL elevates two hires to talent leadership as Season 52 prep goes forward

Deadline reports that Saturday Night Live is making leadership moves behind the scenes. Keri Powers has been promoted to sole head of the talent department, where she will oversee bookings for hosts, musical guests, and guest stars on the NBC sketch show. Powers joined SNL in 2014 and previously worked at Paramount Pictures and CAA before rising through the talent team.

Her promotion comes in the wake of the departure of longtime booker Brian Siedlecki, who had spent 30 years in the role. In a separate promotion, Rebecca Schwartz has been elevated to producer. Schwartz has been part of the talent team since 2015.

The changes arrive as SNL heads into Season 52. The season kicks off with Jalen Brunson as host and Katseye as musical guest, per Deadline’s coverage. The piece notes that there wasn’t a large amount of upheaval entering the season beyond staff movements already announced.

Additionally, the article mentions some cast adjustments: Chloe Fineman has departed, while Saidah Belo-Osagie and Grace Reiter joined as featured players. Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline were promoted to repertory status. The current on-air cast list includes Michael Che, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Marcello Hernandez, James Austin Johnson, Colin Jost, Ashley Padilla, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, and Jane Wickline, with Belo-Osagie, Reiter, Tommy Brennan, Jeremy Culhane, Ben Marshall, Kam Patterson, and Veronika Slowikowska listed as featured players.

The piece situates these staffing moves within a broader season preview and notes that Deadline provided the reporting on changes to the cast and promotional track for 2026–2027.

Source: Deadline

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