ByteDance poaches from Facebook to power short video app TikTok’s global expansion

ByteDance, the world’s most valuable start-up, has moved to bolster the overseas expansion of popular short-form video app TikTok by hiring a senior executive from social media giant Facebook.

The Beijing-based company’s new recruit, Blake Chandlee, has been appointed as TikTok’s head of strategic partnerships. He most recently served as vice-president of global partnerships for more than eight years at Facebook.

“I expect Blake Chandlee’s mandate will be to focus on the international expansion of TikTok and build legitimacy for the brand outside China,” said Paul Haswell, a partner who advises technology companies at international law firm Pinsent Masons.

Haswell also expected ByteDance to ramp up its international staff recruitment, following this strategic hire.

“Chandlee will need an international team, who will have the challenge of breaking through international barriers to rival [the expansion initiatives of] Facebook and Snapchat,” he said.