Mayer quits as TikTok global role disappears
August 27, 2020
TikTok chief executive Kevin Mayer has quit after less than three months in the role ahead of an impending ban by US President Donald Trump
The Chinese-owned firm has been accused of being a threat to US national security by the Trump administration. TikTok has been ordered to sell its US operations to an American firm or face a ban in the country.
Mayer joined TikTok after leaving his role as Disney’s head of streaming services. “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,” Mayer said in a letter to employees. “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.”
“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,” a spokesman for TikTok said.