TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer resigned some 4 months into his run, according to a leaked memo to employees on Thursday, August 27.

According to The New York Times, the letter to employees pointed to shifts in the company structure as the reason for his departure.

Said Mayer in the letter, “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,” he added.

Mayer’s departure comes after US President Donald Trump and his administration had concerns about national security and data privacy issues that might arise from TikTok use.

On August 6, the US government announced sweeping restrictions against TikTok and Chinese chat app WeChat, giving US companies 45 days to stop doing business with the two platforms. TikTok has since sued the Trump administration to challenge the ban against it.

TikTok North American General Manager Vanessa Pappas will take over as interim global head of the company, according to Mayer’s letter.

A TikTok spokesperson commented on Mayer’s departure, saying, “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.” – Rappler.com