TikTok opens Australian office with tech-savvy executives
With local uptake on the up-escalator, TikTok has launched an Australian office.
Over 1.6 million Aussies already use the video-sharing app, according to Roy Morgan Research released in February. The company has also named two new senior hires for the region.
As reported by TMN this month, the fast-rising social network is also on the hunt for a head of music to support its vertical strategy and “drive the success of Australian music on the platform”.
TikTok has named Lee Hunter general manager, based in Sydney. Hunter was Google executive for over a decade as global head of brand for YouTube.
“I’ve been truly inspired watching Australia’s unique and creative spirit shine through on TikTok, especially during this challenging time,” Hunter said.
“I love that TikTok has helped bring Australian communities together when we’ve needed it most, whether it’s having fun at home, sharing how we’re feeling, or expressing ideas and messages that need to be heard.
“I’m excited to build on this outpouring of positive, diverse and creative content, lead our growing local team, and support our brilliant community of Australian users, creators and partners.”
Former Google NZ country manager and head of media agencies at ANZ, Brett Armstrong, is named general manager for global business solutions at TikTok Australia.
“TikTok is all about spreading joy and positivity through shared experiences, and I’m excited to continue to share this ethos with Australian brands and partners,” Armstrong said.
“We’ve got some fantastic campaigns underway, with results exceeding expectations already, so I’m really looking forward to growing our business offering from strength to strength locally.”
Brent Thomas is director of public policy, while Arjun Narayan Bettadapur Manjunath is head of trust & safety, from the company’s Singapore-based APAC team.
“We are delighted by the positive response to TikTok in Australia and have been inspired by the remarkable creativity across Australia,” noted Vanessa Pappas, GM of TikTok US.
As part of its local launch and its global support for the CVOD-19 affected, TikTok has donated $3 million to The Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity.
TikTok, owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, has become a major influencer on commercial radio airplay, as TMN reported last month.
The app has been downloaded more than one billion times and has 500 million monthly users.