The CEO of TikTok, who has been on the job for less than four months, has resigned, citing the political climate as the reason.
Kevin Mayer announced his decision in a letter to employees. That letter was obtained by CNBC and published on Thursday.
“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,” he said. “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.”
Mayer added, “I understand that the role that I signed up for — including running TikTok globally — will look very different as a result of the US Administration’s action to push for a sell off of the US business.”
Over the past few months, concerns have risen that because TikTok is owned by the China-based company, ByteDance, data from U.S. consumers could be given to the Chinese government. An Aug. 6 executive order from President Trump told ByteDance to sell its U.S. operations or risk being banned in the United States.
ByteDance is in talks with various investors, including Microsoft, to make that sale.
A spokesperson for TikTok said, “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.”
