September 24, 2025
From Facebook Intern to TikTok CEO: Shou Zi Chew
September 24, 2025
From Facebook Intern to TikTok CEO: Shou Zi Chew
Discover Shou Zi Chew’s journey from Facebook intern to TikTok CEO and learn lessons for brands to grow on TikTok Shop and social media.
From Facebook Intern to TikTok CEO: Shou Zi Chew’s Rise
It’s a rare story in tech: an intern at one company eventually becomes the CEO of its biggest rival. That’s exactly the journey of Shou Zi Chew, the current CEO of TikTok, and one of the most influential figures in the social media world.
A Global Career in the Making
Born in Singapore, Chew studied economics at University College London before earning his MBA at Harvard. He began his career in finance, working across London, Singapore, and Hong Kong, gaining valuable international experience.
In 2015, he joined Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone giant, as CFO and helped lead the company to its IPO. This global exposure solidified his reputation as a rising star in Asia’s tech scene.
Taking the Helm at TikTok
Chew joined ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, in 2021 as CFO. Soon after, he was promoted to CEO of TikTok, overseeing a platform that:
Surpassed 1 billion global users
Attracted over 150 million users in the U.S. alone
Became the only major social platform outside Mark Zuckerberg’s ecosystem
Meanwhile, Meta’s attempt to replicate TikTok with its app Lasso failed, highlighting TikTok’s dominance in short-form video entertainment.
The Zuckerberg What-If
In 2016, Mark Zuckerberg reportedly tried to acquire Musical.ly, the app that later evolved into TikTok after ByteDance purchased it for $800 million. That failed deal is now seen as one of the biggest “what-ifs” in tech history. TikTok, under Chew’s leadership, has since reshaped how Gen Z and Millennials consume content, discover products, and shop online.
Leading Under Pressure
TikTok’s rapid rise hasn’t been without scrutiny. U.S. lawmakers have questioned Chew about TikTok’s Chinese ownership and potential security risks. During a viral 2023 congressional hearing, Chew defended the platform while pointing out that privacy concerns aren’t unique to foreign apps. His composed and thoughtful responses strengthened his reputation as a steady leader in high-pressure situations.
Lessons for Brands and Marketers
Chew’s journey is more than a personal success story—it’s a reflection of the global tech landscape:
East vs. West rivalry: The rise of TikTok shows how platforms from outside Silicon Valley can disrupt global markets.
Global leadership matters: Experience across multiple regions is critical in today’s connected world.
Disruption is opportunity: Even apps once dismissed as “teen lip-syncing platforms” can become major market movers.
For brands and TikTok Shop sellers, this story underscores the importance of staying ahead of trends, leveraging new platforms, and collaborating with influencers to maximize reach. At Zorilla Marketing, we help brands navigate TikTok Shop growth and influencer marketing strategies to stand out in a competitive digital landscape.
Book a free strategy call with our team today and let us help you make your Shop Tab presence your strongest sales channel.
Also read:
From Facebook Intern to TikTok CEO: Shou Zi Chew’s Rise
It’s a rare story in tech: an intern at one company eventually becomes the CEO of its biggest rival. That’s exactly the journey of Shou Zi Chew, the current CEO of TikTok, and one of the most influential figures in the social media world.
A Global Career in the Making
Born in Singapore, Chew studied economics at University College London before earning his MBA at Harvard. He began his career in finance, working across London, Singapore, and Hong Kong, gaining valuable international experience.
In 2015, he joined Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone giant, as CFO and helped lead the company to its IPO. This global exposure solidified his reputation as a rising star in Asia’s tech scene.
Taking the Helm at TikTok
Chew joined ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, in 2021 as CFO. Soon after, he was promoted to CEO of TikTok, overseeing a platform that:
Surpassed 1 billion global users
Attracted over 150 million users in the U.S. alone
Became the only major social platform outside Mark Zuckerberg’s ecosystem
Meanwhile, Meta’s attempt to replicate TikTok with its app Lasso failed, highlighting TikTok’s dominance in short-form video entertainment.
The Zuckerberg What-If
In 2016, Mark Zuckerberg reportedly tried to acquire Musical.ly, the app that later evolved into TikTok after ByteDance purchased it for $800 million. That failed deal is now seen as one of the biggest “what-ifs” in tech history. TikTok, under Chew’s leadership, has since reshaped how Gen Z and Millennials consume content, discover products, and shop online.
Leading Under Pressure
TikTok’s rapid rise hasn’t been without scrutiny. U.S. lawmakers have questioned Chew about TikTok’s Chinese ownership and potential security risks. During a viral 2023 congressional hearing, Chew defended the platform while pointing out that privacy concerns aren’t unique to foreign apps. His composed and thoughtful responses strengthened his reputation as a steady leader in high-pressure situations.
Lessons for Brands and Marketers
Chew’s journey is more than a personal success story—it’s a reflection of the global tech landscape:
East vs. West rivalry: The rise of TikTok shows how platforms from outside Silicon Valley can disrupt global markets.
Global leadership matters: Experience across multiple regions is critical in today’s connected world.
Disruption is opportunity: Even apps once dismissed as “teen lip-syncing platforms” can become major market movers.
For brands and TikTok Shop sellers, this story underscores the importance of staying ahead of trends, leveraging new platforms, and collaborating with influencers to maximize reach. At Zorilla Marketing, we help brands navigate TikTok Shop growth and influencer marketing strategies to stand out in a competitive digital landscape.
Book a free strategy call with our team today and let us help you make your Shop Tab presence your strongest sales channel.
Also read:
Discover Shou Zi Chew’s journey from Facebook intern to TikTok CEO and learn lessons for brands to grow on TikTok Shop and social media.
From Facebook Intern to TikTok CEO: Shou Zi Chew’s Rise
It’s a rare story in tech: an intern at one company eventually becomes the CEO of its biggest rival. That’s exactly the journey of Shou Zi Chew, the current CEO of TikTok, and one of the most influential figures in the social media world.
A Global Career in the Making
Born in Singapore, Chew studied economics at University College London before earning his MBA at Harvard. He began his career in finance, working across London, Singapore, and Hong Kong, gaining valuable international experience.
In 2015, he joined Xiaomi, the Chinese smartphone giant, as CFO and helped lead the company to its IPO. This global exposure solidified his reputation as a rising star in Asia’s tech scene.
Taking the Helm at TikTok
Chew joined ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, in 2021 as CFO. Soon after, he was promoted to CEO of TikTok, overseeing a platform that:
Surpassed 1 billion global users
Attracted over 150 million users in the U.S. alone
Became the only major social platform outside Mark Zuckerberg’s ecosystem
Meanwhile, Meta’s attempt to replicate TikTok with its app Lasso failed, highlighting TikTok’s dominance in short-form video entertainment.
The Zuckerberg What-If
In 2016, Mark Zuckerberg reportedly tried to acquire Musical.ly, the app that later evolved into TikTok after ByteDance purchased it for $800 million. That failed deal is now seen as one of the biggest “what-ifs” in tech history. TikTok, under Chew’s leadership, has since reshaped how Gen Z and Millennials consume content, discover products, and shop online.
Leading Under Pressure
TikTok’s rapid rise hasn’t been without scrutiny. U.S. lawmakers have questioned Chew about TikTok’s Chinese ownership and potential security risks. During a viral 2023 congressional hearing, Chew defended the platform while pointing out that privacy concerns aren’t unique to foreign apps. His composed and thoughtful responses strengthened his reputation as a steady leader in high-pressure situations.
Lessons for Brands and Marketers
Chew’s journey is more than a personal success story—it’s a reflection of the global tech landscape:
East vs. West rivalry: The rise of TikTok shows how platforms from outside Silicon Valley can disrupt global markets.
Global leadership matters: Experience across multiple regions is critical in today’s connected world.
Disruption is opportunity: Even apps once dismissed as “teen lip-syncing platforms” can become major market movers.
For brands and TikTok Shop sellers, this story underscores the importance of staying ahead of trends, leveraging new platforms, and collaborating with influencers to maximize reach. At Zorilla Marketing, we help brands navigate TikTok Shop growth and influencer marketing strategies to stand out in a competitive digital landscape.
Book a free strategy call with our team today and let us help you make your Shop Tab presence your strongest sales channel.
Also read:
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