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Following tensions between the US and China over a video-sharing social networking service, TikTok, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Kevin Mayer has on Wednesday resigned less than four months after joining the company. Mayer's resignation comes after TikTok filed a lawsuit against the US government over allegations that the popular app is used by the Chinese government to spy on Americans. "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," Mayer wrote in an email.


"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."


"I understand that the role that I signed up for — including running TikTok globally — will look very different as a result of the US administration’s action to push for a sell-off of the US business," he added.


TikTok has been under pressure from the Trump administration with President Donald Trump signing an executive order to block the app if the parent company, Byte Dance did not sell its US operations within 45.


In a letter, the founder of Byte Dance, Zhang Yiming said: "Kevin spoke to me, and I fully understand that the resulting outcome that we land upon due to the political circumstances we are operating within could have significant impact on his job in any scenario, but particularly given his global role while he's based in the US."


In a statement, 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. We thank him for his time at the company and wish him well."


Meanwhile, the General Manager of TikTok, Vanessa Pappas will serve as interim head.

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