A former Boeing executive is appointed by TikTok to lead US public policy

In an effort to complete a deal to split its U.S. assets from its parent company, TikTok said that it has engaged Ziad Ojakli, the former head of government affairs at Boeing. As its head of public policy for the Americas.

The action comes as TikTok’s Chinese parent company, ByteDance, plans to transfer nearly 80% of its U.S. assets. To a consortium of American and worldwide investors to meet national security standards set forth in a 2024 law. In September, President Donald Trump issued an executive order granting them until the end of January to finalize the agreement.

TikTok CEO Shou Chew

In a statement announcing the hiring on Tuesday, TikTok CEO Shou Chew stated that Ojakli, who previously managed government affairs at Ford Motor and SoftBank, will start his new position on December 1. He pointed out that Michael Beckerman, the company’s current head of public policy and a pivotal player in the battle against a US government ban. Had stated in April that he intended to resign from his position and assume a global advisory role.

The Republican head of the House Select Committee on China, Representative John Moolenaar. Stated in October that a license deal for the use of TikTok’s algorithm would give rise to «serious concerns.» This week, Democratic Senator Ed Markey questioned the accord as well.

According to a September Reuters story, a group of current ByteDance shareholders will own roughly 30% of TikTok EU. While a group of three investors, including Oracle and private equity firm Silver Lake, will purchase about 50% of the company.

In order to meet the conditions outlined in the 2024 regulation, ByteDance would keep less than 20% of TikTok EU.According to a September Reuters story, a group of current ByteDance shareholders will own roughly 30% of TikTok EU, while a group of three investors, including Oracle and private equity firm Silver Lake, will purchase about 50% of the company.

In order to meet the conditions outlined in the 2024 regulation, ByteDance would keep less than 20% of TikTok EU.

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