TikTok CEO, Kevin Meyer Quits After Just 3 Months Due to Political Woes

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TikTok CEO, Kevin Mayer has quit the company less than 4 months after his appointment. This is due to the company’s ongoing political dispute that has led to the impending sale of its U.S business.

According to a TikTok spokesperson, the current situation has affected the scope of Kevin’s role in the company.

“We appreciate that the political dynamics of the last few months have significantly changed what the scope of Kevin’s role would be going forward, and fully respect his decision. We thank him for his time at the company and wish him well.”

TikTok spokesperson
TikTok CEO, Kevin Meyer Quits After Just 3 Months

Kevin Meyer leaves after 3 months

Kevin joined TikTok in May, after serving as chairman of Direct-to-Consumer & International division of The Walt Disney Company. There he was in charge of Disney’s streaming efforts.

Following his initial appointment, Kevin was tasked with driving the global development of ByteDance – music, gaming, Helo, emerging businesses, and also serve as CEO of TikTok.

However, the recent strings of attacks on the Chinese-owned company by governments especially Trump’s have changed Kevin Meyer’s mind about his future at the company.

“In recent weeks, as the political environment has sharply changed, I have done significant reflection on what the corporate structural changes will require, and what it means for the global role I signed up for. Against this backdrop, and as we expect to reach a resolution very soon, it is with a heavy heart that I wanted to let you all know that I have decided to leave the company.”

Kevin Mayer

TikTok’s general manager, Vanessa Pappas will take over as acting CEO, according to Verge.

TikTok’s political turmoil

Despite its growing customer base, the last few months have been a difficult one for TikTok. The company has had to face several antitrust and regulatory woes from governments across the world.

In June, the popular video app was banned in India, one of its biggest markets. To add to that, over the last few weeks, the US government has been trying to run them out of the country.

TikTok CEO, Kevin Meyer Quits After Just 3 Months

U.S. President, Donald Trump has given the company till September 15 to be purchased by an American company or face complete ban in the US too. Several tech giants like Microsoft, Oracle and Netflix have reportedly met with TikTok parent company ByteDance for a potential sale.

TikTok, however, responded with a lawsuit against the Trump administration for banning transactions with ByteDance.

“We do not take suing the government lightly, however we feel we have no choice but to take action to protect our rights, and the rights of our community and employees.”

TikTok wrote in a press release.

While the outcome of the lawsuit is still pending, the company will still have to make a decision about the future of its US business which is a direct cause for Kevin Meyer’s exit.


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