TikTok names former Boeing executive as U.S. public policy chief amid asset-divestiture push

Washington, Nov. 25, 2025 — TikTok has appointed former Boeing government affairs executive Ziad Ojakli as its new head of public policy for the Americas, a move that comes as the company works to restructure its U.S. operations under a sweeping divestiture plan. Ojakli starts on Dec. 1.

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The change in leadership coincides with TikTok’s ongoing effort to transfer about 80% of its U.S. assets to a U.S.-based investor consortium, a condition tied to recent legislation aimed at addressing national security concerns. The divestiture — backed by a 2024 law and a subsequent executive order — requires ByteDance, TikTok’s Chinese parent, to cede majority control over the app’s American infrastructure and data operations.

Ojakli brings a strong background in government affairs, having held senior roles at Boeing, Ford Motor, and SoftBank. His appointment replaces former U.S. policy chief Michael Beckerman, who is transitioning to an advisory role. TikTok’s move is seen as a strategic effort to reinforce its compliance narrative ahead of expected Congressional hearings and renewed regulatory scrutiny in 2026.

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The leadership change underlines the high stakes for TikTok as it seeks to secure its future in the U.S. market. With algorithm licensing, data governance, and corporate structure all under intense examination, TikTok’s new public-policy lead will play a central role in shaping the company’s political and regulatory strategy heading into a pivotal transition period.