The executive at a Chinese-owned firm expresses the right timing to transition and concentrate on their entrepreneurial aspirations
TikTok’s COO, V Pappas, is resigning after a five-year tenure with the popular short-video platform. In an email to the staff, Pappas revealed plans to assume an advisory role during the transition phase. Pappas stated, “Having achieved numerous successes at TikTok, I believe it’s the right time for me to move on and refocus on my entrepreneurial interests.” The Information was the first to report this news. Additionally, in a memo to employees, TikTok CEO Shou Chew announced the appointment of Zenia Mucha, a former 20-year Disney veteran, as the new Chief Brand and Communications Officer.
Chew announced that Adam Presser, currently TikTok’s chief of staff, will assume the role of head of operations. In this new position, Presser will be responsible for overseeing content, user operations, and distribution. TikTok, owned by Chinese company ByteDance, has faced increased scrutiny due to its connections with China.
Concerns over Chinese access to American user data have prompted the US government, as well as over half of US states, to prohibit the app on government devices. The Biden administration has even threatened a nationwide ban unless ByteDance divests its shares. Montana became the first US state to ban TikTok in May, leading to lawsuits from both the platform and some users against the state.
Last week, US lawmakers introduced new legislation aimed at safeguarding American user data from exploitation by US adversaries.
In addition to the US, governments of Canada and Australia have also implemented bans on the use of TikTok on government devices.
TikTok has consistently denied any potential access to user data by Chinese authorities.
Pappas, originally from Darwin and raised in Brisbane, joined TikTok after working at YouTube for almost eight years.
This departure comes after the resignation of another important executive, Eric Han, who served as the head of trust and safety at TikTok, in May.
