Kevin Mayer, the CEO of popular video sharing app TikTok, said on Wednesday that he was resigning amid pressure to sell the app.
In a note to employees, which was reviewed by The New York Times, Mayer said that a series of changes to TikTok’s structure prompted him to leave. He did not address the timing of his departure.
“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 in the letter.
“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.” he added
He added that he had signed up for a global role and that leading a global team had been a “big draw” for him.
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The White House’s moves have pushed ByteDance and TikTok to seek a buyer for the app’s US operations. Microsoft, Oracle and other bidders have been discussing a potential deal, with prices ranging from $20 billion to $50 billion, though talks are fluid and no deal may be reached.
In a statement on Wednesday, 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.”