TikTok Restructures Teams: Merging Product and Trust & Safety

TikTok Restructures Teams Amidst U.S. Uncertainty

Facing an ambiguous future within the United States, TikTok is consolidating its Core Product and Trust & Safety teams into a unified organizational structure. This information stems from an internal communication distributed to employees by TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew, and subsequently verified by TechCrunch and TikTok representatives.

Enhanced Technical Capabilities

According to Chew’s memo, this integration is intended to optimize the utilization of the company’s technical resources. The aim is to better align efforts between core business goals and safety protocols. It will also facilitate a more rapid pace of development for next-generation safety technology.

Leadership Changes within TikTok USDS

The restructuring includes a shift in leadership roles. Adam Presser, currently heading Operations and Trust & Safety, will assume the position of general manager for TikTok USDS. This entity is specifically dedicated to protecting U.S. national security interests, as confirmed by TikTok to TechCrunch.

Andy Bonillo, the founding general manager of TikTok USDS, will transition into a new advisory role. He will report directly to Presser, leveraging his experience in the organization’s establishment and expansion.

Further Team Realignment

TikTok Operations will continue reporting to Presser. Sandeep Grover has been appointed as the new head of Global Trust & Safety. Additionally, Jenny Zi will lead the TikTok Live division.

Deadline Looms

This reorganization occurs as the U.S. government has repeatedly extended the potential shutdown deadline for TikTok. The current deadline is set for September 17th.

Potential Sale and Algorithm Control

U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick recently indicated that TikTok’s operation in the country will cease if China does not approve a sale agreement. Lutnick also emphasized the necessity for the U.S. to have control over the app’s algorithm as a condition of any sale.

Strengthening USDS

Considering the ongoing geopolitical tensions and trade disputes with China, it is logical that TikTok is reinforcing its TikTok USDS team. This move appears to be a strategic response to the precarious state of its U.S. operations.

Integration of T&S Product Team

“To foster greater alignment across our comprehensive trust and safety initiatives, the T&S Product team will now be integrated into the TikTok Product organization,” Chew stated in the memo.

A new Platform Responsibility team is being created, under the leadership of Adam Wang, who will report to Fiona Zhi. Wang has a proven track record, having successfully launched and expanded TikTok LIVE globally over the past four years.

Positive Outlook

“I am confident that this reorganization will position us favorably to capitalize on the opportunities that lie ahead,” Chew concluded in the internal memo.