Siddhartha Laik in DigitalNews On 12 May,2021 07:37:03

Exclusive: Nikhil Gandhi quits TikTok

Nikhil Gandhi quits Bytedance

IWMBuzz news team has learnt that top boss of Bytedance India (TikTok) has thrown in the towel.

We have confirmed information that media maverick Nikhil Gandhi has decided to quit and is currently serving his notice period.

Nikhil, a credible name the space of media & entertainment, (ex Disney, Times Network, Viacom Media Networks), brought a sea of business structure change at TikTok with utmost efficiency leading to positive market local sentiment. Nikhil built a solid team structure locally, thus organizing TikTok in India and also got some of the top-notch entertainment faces like Deepika Padukone to the platform, enhancing brand credibility and enriching user relatability experience.

However, all efforts came to naught with Bytedance India facing a ban notice from the Indian government.

After a sustained battle with the laws of the land and harbouring its workforce for few months, Bytedance India ultimately decided to let go of its employees earlier this year, a story which was first published by IWMBuzz (read here: IWMBuzz)

Recently, Nikhil Gandhi was redesignated as Head – Middle East, Africa, Turkey & South Asia, TikTok. The redesignation came in the wake of the company folding up its India operations.

Our sources inform: “Nikhil knows the new age media video business ecosystem like no other and he brought great success to TikTok India under his leadership. We hear that he is all set to make a powerful career move soon. We further know that Daniel Habashi will expand his role from TikTok GM of Canada to now also serve as interim TikTok GM of META and South Asia. South Asia and META continue to be important markets for TikTok, with tremendous growth opportunities. It is said that TikTok will remain committed to its people and the business there, continue to work with the Indian government and hope to make progress to come back. ”

Armed with this information, we wrote to TikTok India spokesperson for a comment but received none till the time of going to press.

Later we got a confirmation saying:

“After much reflection on my time here at ByteDance, and looking at my future goals, I have made the difficult decision to leave my role in the company. Working with TikTok, I have seen our app shepherd in a new era of connection, communication, and cultural appreciation”. – Nikhil Gandhi, General Manager South Asia and META

Keep reading IWMBuzz.com.

Nikhil GandhiTikTok

About The Author

Siddhartha Laik: With over 10 years of experience in media and entertainment, Siddhartha believes in the importance of attitude over aptitude. With Masters in English Literature from Fergusson College, Pune (First Class) and a Diploma in Journalism, he has immense knowledge in diverse fields of editorial, content creation, effective communication, team building, leadership, motivational speaking, personality development, success principles, digital, print and broadcast media, soft skills et al. “In today’s time it is all about multi-tasking. An individual has immense potential to break notions and conventions and explore unchartered territories. All one needs to do is work hard on self development and BELIEVE”-Siddhartha After being part of editorial teams in organizations like Times of India, Mid Day, Magna Publication, Indian Express, Sakaal Times, Indiantelevision.com Pvt Ltd Group, in capacity ranging from a reporter to Managing Editor & Head of Business, Siddhartha is the Founder & Editor-in-chief at IWMBuzz (earlier known as IndianWikiMedia). His role includes heading editorial, building and motivating teamforce, crisis management, business strategy and launching new properties. A communicator par excellence, a motivator, a leader, an innovator, a risk taker, Siddhartha was awarded the Best Student in his journalism course and has also featured on India TV as a commentator, Bigg Boss as a news seeker, and is a visiting faculty in multiple media institutions. His hobbies include playing a guitar, reading and writing fiction literature, debating and discussing on current affairs and watching superhero movies.