TikTok opens Australian office

Social media app TikTok has opened an Australian office in Sydney. 

The news comes as fashion brands such as Superdry, Camilla and Piping Hot start to invest into TikTok strategies.

TikTok's local leadership team is made up of former Google and YouTube executive, Lee Hunter, joining as GM for TikTok Australia alongside former Google executive, Brett Armstrong, as GM for global business solutions in Australia. 

Hunter will lead a team of experts for TikTok based in Sydney, with a focus on overseeing the implementation of safety policies and resources, as well as driving growth, partnerships and the local product experience.

Other executives on the Australian team include Brent Thomas as director of public policy for Australia, leading engagement with policy and NGO stakeholders to maintain industry leading standards in safety and content, and Arjun Narayan Bettadapur Manjunath as head of trust and safety, leading TikTok’s dedicated APAC team based in Singapore. 

TikTok GM of US overseeing North American and ANZ Vanessa Pappas said that the business is thrilled to expand its presence in Australia. 

"We are delighted by the positive response to TikTok in Australia and have been inspired by the remarkable creativity across Australia.

"As we continue to build a positive and safe environment for users, our focus is on hiring the right local talent and strengthening our local leadership team to best support the Australian TikTok community.

"I am confident in the management team we've assembled to drive TikTok's growth and opportunity in Australia for creators and brands, and look forward to furthering the incredible creativity of our Australian community," she said. 

Hunter said that he is excited to begin his role at the platform. 

"I’ve been truly inspired watching Australia’s unique and creative spirit shine through on TikTok, especially during this challenging time.

"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," he said. 

TikTok has approximately 800 million users worldwide.