Kevin Mayer has just resigned as the TikTok CEO after only being in the position since May. Before he was the CEO of TikTok, Mayer was Disney’s Chairman of Direct-To-Consumer Business. After he was passed over to become CEO of the Walt Disney Company, he quit the company and went to TikTok to become their CEO.

Now, with TikTok possibly becoming banned in the United States, Mayer has resigned after only about three months. Initially TikTok was doing extremely well when Mayer came in. The shutdown was going on and many were turning to entertainment like streaming services, YouTube and TikTok. But then it all changed when the platform came under fire for potential security and information leaks. President Trump signed an order on August 14, that gave them 90 days to sell to U.S. business or they would be banned in the United States. The TikTok platform has already been banned in other locations for similar concerns.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mayer sent a letter out to employees that said:

“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.”

Now that he has stepped down the General Manager of TikTok for North America, Australia and New Zealand, Vanessa Pappa, will fill in as interim CEO.

It’s understandable  that he made this decision because his position would likely be changed if a sale goes through, and of course, selling is the company’s goal right now.

Mayer even said as much, stating:

“I understand that the role that I signed up for — including running TikTok globally — will look very different as a result of the U.S. administration’s action to push for a sell-off of the U.S. business. I’ve always been globally focused in my work, and leading a global team that includes TikTok U.S. was a big draw for me.”

A TikTok spokeswoman made this statement:

“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.”

I do feel bad for Mr. Mayer, he got passed over at Disney and then finally got to be CEO of a company then this all happens. Hopefully he will find a comparable position soon.

What do you think? Comment and let us know.

Source: The Hollywood Reporter