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Tag: ByteDance

  • Performace sets sights on South East Asia expansion

    Performace sets sights on South East Asia expansion

    MUMBAI: Performace is gearing up to go global, announcing its strategic expansion into South East Asia with Vishal Raj at the helm as business head. Known for his stints at Jiosaavn, Bytedance, Network18, and Belive, Vishal brings nearly two decades of experience in digital advertising, media sales, and APAC business development to the table.

    Singapore will serve as the regional headquarters, with plans to build teams and partnerships in Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. The expansion underscores Performace’s aim to strengthen its presence in high-growth markets and deliver data-driven, performance-focused marketing solutions to clients across the region.

    Performace CEO Saurabh Gaur said, “Expanding into southeast Asia is a crucial milestone in our journey to become a global player. The region’s dynamic digital ecosystem offers immense opportunity, and Vishal’s proven APAC expertise positions us to deliver meaningful value to clients and partners.”

    Welcoming his new role, Vishal Raj added, “My goal is to leverage Performace’s insights and technology to drive measurable growth across southeast Asia. I am focused on building high-performance teams, strategic partnerships, and scalable, sustainable business operations. By combining local market insights with innovative solutions, we aim to create a strong foundation for success across the region.”

    With this move, Performace is not just expanding its footprint but reinforcing its reputation for strategic innovation, operational discipline, and client-centricity, setting the stage for long-term global growth in digital marketing and performance media solutions.

  • Nilay S exits Upstox after five-year marketing stint

    Nilay S exits Upstox after five-year marketing stint

    MUMBAI: Nilay S has wrapped up his near five-year run at online brokerage Upstox, where he rose to director of marketing.

    Joining in 2020, Nilay helped shape the firm’s brand and product marketing strategy, spearheaded marquee campaigns across the IPL and World Cup, and built initiatives such as UpLearn and UpNews. He led a 25-strong team, directly managing seven functional leaders, and drove growth across SEO, ASO and newer platforms.

    Earlier, Nilay spent nearly two years at Bytedance in senior marketing roles, handling go-to-market strategy for TikTok India. His résumé also spans stints at WPP’s Maxus Global, Accenture and TBWA.

    A graduate of Gujarat University with a later product management programme at Duke, Nilay signalled that he is “excited about what lies ahead” as he moves on from Upstox.

  • Ervan Preet Bagga takes charge as national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms

    Ervan Preet Bagga takes charge as national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms

    MUMBAI:  Media sales maven Ervan Preet Bagga has stepped into the role of national sales head at Goldmines Telefilms – India, marking a dynamic return to the broadcaster where she earlier led the charge as regional sales head for the North.

    With over 15 years of experience in revenue strategy, relationship management, digital marketing, and sales leadership, Bagga has carved a niche as one of India’s most agile P&L experts. Her last role as director – SMB sports at Viacom18 saw her scale monetisation across key sports properties, blending strategic partnerships with sharp execution.

    Bagga’s previous roles at ByteDance, IN10 Media, iTV Network, Zee Entertainment, and Network18 add depth to her multi-platform expertise—across entertainment, sports, and digital-first media. She is known for her people-centric leadership style, keen market instincts, and a robust track record of unlocking new business.

    Back at Goldmines, Bagga’s focus will be on driving national revenues, crafting integrated brand solutions, and future-proofing the sales playbook as the company scales its content ambitions.

  • Yusuf Batliwala joins Hero Esports as global partnerships head

    Yusuf Batliwala joins Hero Esports as global partnerships head

    MUMBAI: It’s a power move in the world of competitive gaming. Yusuf Batliwala has been appointed senior director for global partnerships at Hero Esports, bringing with him nearly two decades of cross-continental experience across entertainment, media, and gaming. Based out of Singapore, Batliwala officially took charge in June 2025.

    Batliwala’s new role will see him leading Hero Esports’ global partnership strategy forging collaborations, securing brand alliances, and expanding the company’s footprint in international markets. With esports exploding into a mainstream spectacle, Hero Esports appears to be stacking its deck with strategic firepower.

    Before joining Hero Esports, Batliwala served as senior sponsorship strategist for the Esports World Cup Riyadh 2024, a high-stakes tournament that cemented Saudi Arabia’s place on the global esports map. He was previously associate director for strategic partnerships at Singtel, where he shaped digital entertainment initiatives across Southeast Asia. His diverse experience also includes stints with Bytedance, BBC, and Getty Images.

    Having worn multiple hats from content sales and sponsorships to strategic partnerships and business development Batliwala is no stranger to navigating the fast-evolving intersections of media, tech, and culture.

    With Hero Esports expanding rapidly across Asia, Batliwala’s appointment signals the company’s ambition to level up its global playbook. As esports matures into a billion-dollar business, industry insiders will be watching closely to see how Batliwala’s deal-making and brand-building expertise helps unlock the next phase of Hero’s journey.

    Game face on the global esports arena just got a little more interesting.

  • TikTok Bids Farewell to US users amid ban and uncertainty; Trump throws lifeline

    TikTok Bids Farewell to US users amid ban and uncertainty; Trump throws lifeline

    MUMBAI: The curtains have fallen on TikTok in the United States as the popular short-form video platform voluntarily shut down its service to users ahead of a sweeping legal ban. Upon attempting to log in, users are greeted with a stark message: ” A law banning TikTok has been enacted in the U.S. Unfortunately, that means you can’t use TikTok for now.We are fortunate that President Trump has indicated that he will work with us on a solution to reinstate TikTok once he takes office. Please stay tuned!”

    This abrupt shutdown has left 170 million young users in the US in a state of disarray. TikTok has become a vital part of their daily lives, serving as a platform for creativity, self-expression, and social connection. Users have taken to social media to express their frustration and disbelief as they can no longer upload content or build their online presence on the app.

    The US government has been vocal about its concerns regarding TikTok’s ties to China, citing national security risks due to the app’s ownership by Chinese parent company ByteDance. Lawmakers have long argued that TikTok must either be operated in the US  by an American company or divested from its Chinese stakeholders. Congress set a firm deadline of 19 January, coinciding with the incoming presidency, for TikTok to comply with the law.

    Despite TikTok’s efforts, a last-minute legal challenge to overturn the ban was thwarted when the Supreme Court ruled that the law does not infringe on the First Amendment. This left the company with no legal recourse. The Biden administration has deferred enforcement of the law to the incoming Trump administration, which has signaled a willingness to negotiate a solution.

    President-elect Donald Trump indicated he might take action to extend the ban’s enforcement deadline. In a recent NBC News interview, he mentioned, “The 90-day extension is something that will be most likely done because it’s appropriate. If I decide to do that, I’ll probably announce it on Monday.” Under the law, the president can grant a one-time extension of up to 90 days regarding its implementation.

    As of now, TikTok users who attempt to access the app will find it absent from both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, and users can only retrieve their data through a specific process. TikTok’s help section remains operational, but with the app effectively disabled, users are left hanging.

    TikTok itself has criticised the Biden administration for its lack of clarity and assurance regarding the continuation of its services. The company remarked, “Unless the Biden Administration immediately provides a definitive statement… TikTok will be forced to go dark on January 19.”

    As uncertainty looms over TikTok’s future in the U.S., millions are left to wonder if they will ever reconnect with their  app, or if this is truly the end of the line. The situation remains fluid, with potential developments hinging on the incoming administration’s actions in the coming days.

    President Donald Trump later in the day thew the management of TikTok a lifeline later in the day saying he would be considering issuing an executive order giving TikTok 90 days to find itself an American partner. This came as a relief to its 170 million users in the US. 

    Said Trump on TruthSocial: “I am asking companies not to let TikTok stay dark! I will issue an executive order on Monday to extend the period of time before the law’s prohibitions take effect, so that we can make a deal to protect our national security. The order will also confirm that there will be no liability for any company that helped keep TikTok from going dark before my order.

    “Americans deserve to see our exciting inauguration on Momday, as well as other events and conversations.

    “I would like the United States to have a 50 per cent stake in the joint venture. By doing this, we save TikTok, keep it in good hands and allow it to say up. Without U.S. approval, there is  no Tik Tok. With our approval, it is worth hundreds of billions of dollars – maybe trillions.”

    (Updated on 19  January 2025 at 10:30 pm)

  • CredAvenue onboards Abhishek Mehrotra as its CHRO

    CredAvenue onboards Abhishek Mehrotra as its CHRO

    Mumbai: Homegrown debt markets platform CredAvenue has announced the onboarding of Abhishek Mehrotra as chief human resource officer (CHRO).

    In this role, Mehrotra will be responsible for leading the company’s human resource function, thereby bolstering CredAvenue’s people culture while cultivating an innovative, growth-driven environment.

    “For us, this is a mission-critical role. Our business is all about people. Hence, we have prioritised HR as one of the most critical and core business functions since our initial days of building a people-centred, best-in-class culture,” said CredAvenue founder and CEO Gaurav Kumar. “We are passionate about creating a caring, collaborative, and shared work atmosphere that results in happier employees. While we have been cultivating a diverse, agile, transparent, and enthusiastic work culture, we need to have an HR leader with nuanced understanding and a proven track record of leading our people initiatives to the next phase.”

    “Abhishek will channelise our collective goals and individual capabilities by bringing the best global HR practices and innovations to keep CredAvenue a people-first organisation. Through his broad experience, Abhishek will guide us to create a culture where each individual will thrive. Our people are our most valuable asset,” he further said.

    Mehrotra has over two decades of experience in human resources, including establishing and improving HR and organisational structures at leading tech, start-up, and telecom companies. He has enabled employee success in high-end R&D, complex managed services, and social media domains across Western and Eastern work cultures with organisations such as IBM, Nokia, Huawei, and Bytedance. 

    In his last leadership assignment with Bytedance, he scaled the people management function at TikTok in the SEA markets while also guiding the India team through challenging times. 

    “CredAvenue is one of the rare start-ups that has followed the people-first philosophy from inception, and that was very evident in the founder’s thinking from the very first time we interacted,” commented Abhishek Mehrotra. “I am looking forward to building the people’s organisation of tomorrow and introducing unique practices in learning and development, mental wellness, diversity and inclusion, and upskilling initiatives for enhancing the overall employee experience.”

    CredAvenue plans to increase its headcount from 400 to 700 people in the coming fiscal year. It is hiring talent from various tech and management areas at all levels, including freshers, mid-level, and senior-level positions, said the statement.

  • Snapchat India ropes in Poonam Nikam as communications lead

    Snapchat India ropes in Poonam Nikam as communications lead

    KOLKATA: Snapchat India has roped in Poonam Nikam as communications lead. Prior to this, Nikam was associated with ByteDance as global communication manager.

    In her long career, she has worked with renowned companies including Airtel, Sony Music Entertainment. Nikam is an alumna of St Xavier’s College and a graduate from the Symbiosis College of Arts & Commerce.

    Snapchat which has reached over 500 million monthly active users has seen over 100 per cent (year-over-year) growth in daily active users (DAUs) in each of the last five quarters, announced recently.

    Nikam is a professional specialising in consumer, corporate, crisis and internal communications across consumer tech, music, lifestyle and telecom sectors. She is a believer in adopting new age tools in communication in order to engage with different external stakeholders, a passionate storyteller with a constant hunger for developing engaging and enthralling stories.

  • ByteDance’s founder Zhang Yiming to step down by end of 2021

    ByteDance’s founder Zhang Yiming to step down by end of 2021

    KOLKATA: Chinese giant ByteDance’s founder Zhang Yiming has decided to step down as chief executive and move into a key strategy role at the end of 2021. The company which owns the short video platform TikTok will now be led by it’s co-founder and head of human resources Liang Rubo.

    Yiming wrote in a letter that he would have a better impact on ByteDance if he moved out of his current CEO position. He also noted how Rubo has played a key role in advancing the company’s technology and hiring and managing people.

    “The truth is, that I lack some of the skills that make an ideal manager. I’m more interested in analyzing organizational and market principles, and leveraging these theories to further reduce management work, rather than actually managing people,” he wrote.

    He expressed his interest in analysing organizational and market principles, and leveraging these theories to further reduce management work, rather than actually managing people. “Similarly, I’m not very social, preferring solitary activities like being online, reading, listening to music, and daydreaming about what may be possible,” he added.

    This is the biggest corporate shakeup of the company after the appointment of chairman Zhang Lidong and chief executive Kelly Zhang at its China business. Yiming will work side by side with Rubo over the next six months for a smooth transition.

  • After year-long ban, TikTok India head Nikhil Gandhi quits

    After year-long ban, TikTok India head Nikhil Gandhi quits

    Kolkata: TikTok Middle East, Turkey, Africa (META), and south Asia head Nikhil Gandhi has quit, according to media reports. 

    Gandhi joined TikTok in 2019 as India and south Asia CEO. He was redesignated to his current position in January 2021 after parent company ByteDance decided to fold it’s TikTok operation in India following the ban on the short form video app. 

    “After much reflection on my time here at ByteDance and looking at my future goals, I have made the difficult decision to leave my role in the company,” Gandhi said as quoted in media reports. 

    “Working with TikTok, I have seen our app shepherd in a new era of connection, communication and cultural appreciation,” he added.

    The app which revolutionised short format video in India was banned by the government in 2020 along with multiple other Chinese apps amid rising geopolitical tension. 

    In a career spanning over two decades, Gandhi has been a part of leading media and entertainment companies and held leadership roles at Times Network, The Walt Disney Company, and Viacom Media Networks.

  • Tik Tok appoints Shouzi Chew as CEO

    Tik Tok appoints Shouzi Chew as CEO

    New Delhi: Chinese short-video sharing platform TikTok has tapped Shouzi Chew as the company’s new chief executive officer.

    TikTok’s interim head Vanessa Pappas, based in Los Angeles, will be the new chief operating officer.

    Chew is based in Singapore and was named chief financial officer of TikTok parent company ByteDance in March this year, and will continue in that role, the company said.

    The decision was taken after TikTok CEO Kevin Mayer quit the company in August 2020 amid India’s decision to ban the app.

    Chew has served as Xiaomi’s chief financial officer from 2015 to 2020, and ran its international business for a year, and took the company in one of the largest ever Chinese tech listings on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.

    “The leadership team of Shou and Vanessa sets the stage for sustained growth,” said ByteDance CEO Yiming Zhang. “Shou brings deep knowledge of the industry, having led a team that was among our earliest investors and having worked in the technology sector for a decade.”

    TikTok became the most downloaded non-gaming app worldwide, with more than 58 million installs in March. Over 11 per cent of these installs were from China followed by the US at 10 per cent. The second most popular app was Facebook, with more than 56 million installs in March, according to data shared by app analytics firm Sensor Tower.