ByteDance appoints ex-Warner Bros. lawyer John Rogovin as Global General Counsel

ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has announced that John Rogovin will join the company as Global General Counsel. Rogovin, whose appointment became effective Monday (June 3), will oversee TikTok’s legal operations worldwide.

Rogovin’s appointment comes as TikTok is embroiled in a legal showdown with the US over new legislation that requires ByteDance to sell TikTok or effectively face a ban on the app in the US.

Rogovin previously served as General Counsel for Warner Bros. for over 12 years until his departure in 2022. During his tenure at Warner Bros., he managed legal oversight of the company’s global operations, including the production and distribution of film and television across more than 135 countries

His responsibilities at Warner Bros. covered a range of legal areas including intellectual property, litigation, privacy, compliance, regulatory enforcement, and mergers and acquisitions.

Prior to his stint at Warner Bros., Rogovin held significant roles in both private practice and public service, TikTok said in a statement. He was a partner at two top international law firms, specializing in litigation and regulatory proceedings. He also served as General Counsel of the US Federal Communications Commission and Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Civil Division of the Department of Justice.

“Building upon the strong foundation of our Global Legal team, I know John is eager to hit the ground running during this important time for the Company.”

Shou Chew, TikTok

Rogovin’s appointment came less than two months after General Counsel Erich Andersen announced that he would be stepping down from his role this month to take on the role of Special Counsel to the company.

TikTok had earlier refuted claims that it was forcing out Andersen, who had been tasked with addressing national security concerns regarding the app’s Chinese ties.

Commenting on Rogovin’s appointment, Liang Rubo, CEO of ByteDance, said, “We are very happy to welcome John to our leadership team. He joins us with vast experience and expertise from his roles in public service, distinguished law firms, and as a leader in the entertainment industry. John brings strong legal instinct and a proven track record of successfully leading global teams that I know we will benefit from greatly as a company.”

“I am incredibly excited to be joining this world-class team and look forward to helping to ensure that our platforms continue to provide a critical forum for more than two billion users worldwide to entertain, teach, and connect with one another.”

John Rogovin, ByteDance

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew — who in April said “we aren’t going anywhere “ in response to US President Joe Biden’s signing of a bill that requires ByteDance to divest its holdings in TikTok or face a ban of the app in the US — said TikTok has “worked tirelessly to build trust and navigate unprecedented legal and regulatory environments globally.”

“John brings strong legal instinct and a proven track record of successfully leading global teams that I know we will benefit from greatly as a company.”

Liang Rubo, ByteDance

“Building upon the strong foundation of our Global Legal team, I know John is eager to hit the ground running during this important time for the Company,” the TikTok CEO said.

Rogovin also commented on his appointment, saying, “I am incredibly excited to be joining this world-class team and look forward to helping to ensure that our platforms continue to provide a critical forum for more than 2 billion users worldwide to entertain, teach, and connect with one another.”

TikTok could face a ban in the US as soon as January, 2025 if it does not comply with the government’s demands to divest its business from its Chinese parent company. US lawmakers have raised significant national security concerns, citing potential risks related to data privacy and the possibility of Chinese government influence over the app.

These concerns have prompted US authorities to push for a separation of TikTok’s American operations from ByteDance to ensure that American user data is protected from foreign interference. If TikTok fails to meet this requirement, it faces the prospect of being banned entirely from operating within the US.

TikTok last month sued the US government, arguing the new law is “unconstitutional,” and saying a sale by ByteDance is “impossible.”

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