Disney Branded TV Taps ABC Alum for SVP of Casting

Disney Branded Television has appointed Brenda Kelly-Grant, former VP of casting at ABC, as senior VP of casting and talent relations.

In her new role, Kelly-Grant will oversee the casting and talent relations for the unit’s live-action scripted pilots, series and movies on Disney+ and Disney Channel. She will also develop and execute strategies for talent’s off-air appearances that promote related content and brands.

At ABC, Kelly-Grant led the casting process on pilots and series such as black-ish, The Middle, Criminal Minds, Nashville and High Fidelity. She also led the transformation of the Disney Television Discovers Showcase into a fully produced and filmed original short scene event.

Kelly-Grant succeeds Judy Taylor, who will retire at the end of the year after 24 years. Taylor helped launch the careers of Miley Cyrus, Selena Gomez, Demi Lovato, Zac Efron, Dove Cameron, Peyton Elizabeth Lee, Milo Manheim, Meg Donnelly, Zendaya and Olivia Rodrigo, among others.

Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, said, “We’re fortunate to have the benefit of two outstanding casting executives as the baton is passed. Judy has made enormous contributions to Disney, and her expertise and leadership have been invaluable throughout the years. She’s been an important and joyful part of my tenure here, and our entire team will miss her and wishes her the very best.”

“Brenda has a deep appreciation for the talent that brings our stories to life,” Davis continued. “She’s a wonderful collaborator with the experience and intuition necessary to lead the casting process, and she’s the right person to build on the legacy that Judy created. I know she’ll inspire the entire team and create the optimal experience for a wide array of acting talent working with us now and in years to come.”

Gary Marsh, president and chief creative officer at Disney Branded Television, added, “There are few people in the annals of our history who have played a more pivotal role in creating the legacy of Disney Channel. Judy just marked her 48th year in casting—from Goonies and Back to the Future to more than 100 iconic Disney Channel original movies and series. She is the best partner a team of creatives could ever dream of, and I know Brenda will continue to build on that partnership.”