Chew Shou Zi

Chew Shou Zi leads TikTok at a time when the platform’s cultural and economic impact has reached unprecedented scale. As CEO since 2021, the Singaporean business leader has overseen TikTok’s expansion beyond entertainment into commerce, education, and global influence—growing its monthly user base to over 1.59 billion across more than 150 markets.

In 2025, Chew continues to steer TikTok through complex regulatory challenges, particularly in the United States. He oversees the ongoing implementation of Project Texas, TikTok’s US data security initiative, which includes storing American user data on Oracle servers and placing operational oversight under a US-based subsidiary. While key infrastructure is in place, the initiative remains under government scrutiny, with lawmakers questioning the extent of parent company ByteDance’s influence.

Under Chew’s leadership, TikTok has also accelerated its push into e-commerce. TikTok Shop, the platform’s fast-growing social commerce arm, has expanded aggressively in the US and Europe and reached US$26.2 billion in Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) globally in the half of 2025—positioning TikTok as a serious player in the online retail space.

Beyond policy and product, Chew has helped cement TikTok’s position as a global cultural powerhouse. In 2024, he served as honorary chair of the Met Gala, and in 2025, the platform has deepened partnerships with Cannes, Paris Fashion Week, and post-Olympics programming.

Known for his relatability and direct engagement with users, Chew blends strategic vision with personal authenticity. A Harvard MBA graduate and former CFO of ByteDance and Xiaomi, he remains one of the most influential voices at the intersection of tech, trust, and culture.