TikTok Forms U.S. Joint Venture, Appoints Adam Presser as CEO

TikTok has officially formed a U.S.-based joint venture to ensure the continued operation of its video-sharing platform in the country, naming long-time executive Adam Presser as chief executive officer of the newly established entity.

The company said Presser, who previously served as TikTok’s head of operations and trust and safety, will lead TikTok USDS Joint Venture, an independent organisation designed to address U.S. national security concerns while maintaining access for American users. TikTok CEO Shou Chew will serve as a director on the venture’s board.

TikTok said the new structure introduces defined safeguards covering data protection, algorithm security, content moderation, and software assurances for U.S. users. The venture will operate independently, with governance and oversight largely based in the United States.

The announcement comes after prolonged political and regulatory scrutiny of TikTok’s U.S. operations. Parent company ByteDance had faced a national security law requiring the sale of TikTok’s U.S. business or an effective ban. That legislation, originally signed by former U.S. President Joe Biden, was not enforced following executive orders issued last year by Donald Trump, which paused implementation while negotiations continued.

President Trump welcomed the deal in a post on Truth Social, describing the new ownership structure as being led by American investors. He also thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for cooperating with the process, although China has not publicly confirmed the agreement.

Ownership and Governance Structure

According to TikTok, the joint venture will be overseen by a seven-member board of directors, the majority of whom are American. In addition to Chew, board members include representatives from TPG, Susquehanna International Group, Silver Lake, DXC Technology, Oracle, and MGX.

ByteDance will retain a 19.9 per cent stake in the new venture, while Silver Lake, Oracle, and MGX will act as managing investors. Additional backers include Michael Dell’s Vastmere Strategic Investments, Alpha Wave Partners, Revolution, and General Atlantic affiliate Via Nova.

Data Security and Operations

TikTok confirmed that its content-recommendation algorithm will be hosted within Oracle’s U.S. data centres and retrained exclusively on American user data. The company said the arrangement ensures greater transparency and security while preserving interoperability with TikTok’s global platform.

The new structure will also allow TikTok’s related services, including CapCut and Lemon8, to continue operating in the United States. U.S. entities under the venture will manage certain global commercial activities, including advertising, marketing, and e-commerce functions.

While neither the U.S. nor Chinese governments have formally issued statements confirming final approval, media reports citing people familiar with the matter indicate that both sides have signed off on the transaction, with the deal expected to close shortly.