According to an internal statement written to employees by TikTok CEO Shou Chew, which TikTok confirmed, the company is combining its Core Product and Trust & Safety teams into a single organization as its future in the United States is still uncertain.
CEO of TikTok wrote into memo:
“This new team will allow us to better leverage our technical capabilities across both business and safety objectives, and will help us move faster as we develop the next generation of safety technology.”
According to the email, TikTok confirmed to TechCrunch that Adam Presser, the company’s head of Operations and Trust & Safety, will take on the role of General Manager of TikTok USDS, a distinct division of TikTok charged with protecting American national security interests.
Current TikTok USDS General Manager Andy Bonillo, who spearheaded the organization’s founding and expansion, will take on a new position as Senior Advisor, answering to Presser.
Presser will still receive direct reports from the TikTok Operations teams, and Sandeep Grover will take over as Global Trust & Safety’s new leader.In TikTok LIVE, as a leader for short time, Jenny Zi is going to take control.
This change comes after third delay in the last month of the TikTok closure deadline by President Trump. For now, September 17 is the deadline.
Last week, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick declared that if China does not authorize a transaction for the sale of the app, TikTok will shut down in the nation. As part of the deal, Lutnick added, the U.S. must have authority over the app’s algorithm.
It wouldn’t be shocking to see TikTok attempting to strengthen its USDS team while its U.S. deal is in jeopardy, considering the difficult circumstances that coincides with a tariff battle with China.
Shou Chew wrote:
“For increased alignment across our robust trust and safety programs, the T&S Product team will now become part of the TikTok Product organization.
We are creating a new Platform Responsibility team, which will be led by Adam Wang, reporting to Fiona Zhi. Adam has successfully led the launch and expansion of TikTok LIVE globally over the past four years.”
The memo said:
“I am confident that this reorganization will put us in an even stronger position to match the opportunities ahead of us.”
