Tiktok hires director of communications, Claire Robinson
Tiktok has continued the expansion of its Australian office, appointing Claire Robinson as director of communications.
Robinson joins from rideshare service Ola, where she spent over a year as head of corporate affairs and communications.
Claire Robinson joins Tiktok from Ola
Robinson said the team at Tiktok Australia were industry leaders.
“I feel honoured to have joined the incredible group of passionate, talented and excellence-driven industry leaders who are building out the Tiktok team here in Australia,” she said.
“The energy and drive is infectious and the commitment to inspiring creativity, bringing joy and delivering value for brands and advertisers, runs deep. I’m excited about the huge opportunities as well as the challenges and communications will play an important role in supporting and driving the business as our we grow locally”.
Previously, Robinson was the PR and corporate communications manager for Yahoo7 and has held roles at Frost Collective and Holt Design.
Robinson’s appointment comes as the social media platform is facing increasing media scrutiny over concerns for users’ privacy. Tiktok is owned by Chinese company, Byte Dance, which has sparked worries that user data will be shared with the Chinese Communist Party.
In July, Tiktok’s Australian team went on the PR offensive, placing ads in newspapers around the country declaring “We’re fun. We’re safe, We’re independent” and “Don’t make Tiktok a political football”.
Last week, Prime Minister Scott Morrison said that Tiktok would not be banned in Australia, despite a reported investigation he ordered into the risks the app poses.
Tiktok’s Australian office opened in June with former Google execs Lee Hunter and Brett Armstrong at the helm as general manager and general manager of global business solutions, respectively.
Also on the team is director of public policy, Brent Thomas, who previously held the same role at Airbnb.
Thomas said he will help the local tech industry drive innovation and creativity.
“Organisations that drive positive change in the world have always been attractive to me – and Tiktok brings so much joy to so many people – especially in these strange COVID times. With change usually comes challenges too – especially in the world of public policy, as our politicians and regulators think about how to get the best outcomes for society from innovative ideas and products. So I’m buzzed to be able to contribute in that space,” he said.
Armstrong added: “Brent and Claire bring a wealth of expertise across both the tech and media industries, as well as Australia’s political arena and have already hit the ground running in what has been a very busy time. These are important appointments for Tiktok in this region and it will be fantastic to have access to their knowledge, big-thinking and support across all divisions, as we continue to scale.”
Congratulations Claire! No doubt you’ll achieve more great things in your new role.
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Well done Claire, I know you’ll smash
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What a hire!! Congratulations and good luck Claire!
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