Nathaniel Brown, the former top communications executive at Warner Bros Discovery (WBD), has joined TikTok as its new communications chief, The Desk has learned. This week, Brown started his new role as Global Head of Corporate Communications for TikTok, the short-form video sharing and social media platform owned by China-based ByteDance. He will be in charge of all external corporate communication initiatives for the company.
Brown’s hiring is a significant move for TikTok, particularly in light of recent turbulent events surrounding the company. He left WBD in January 2025 after a five-year tenure, with the departure reportedly being mutual. His exit came shortly after Axios disclosed a secret meeting between executives at WBD and Paramount regarding a possible merger, which ultimately did not materialize. While Brown was not implicated in the leak of this information, he was expected to serve as the main point of contact for media inquiries regarding the discussions.
As TikTok deals with its own set of challenges, including scrutiny from lawmakers and various regulatory pressures, Brown’s experience in corporate communications may prove crucial. Recently, TikTok was placed in a precarious position when the U.S. Congress passed legislation requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. operations or face a possible ban on the app. This law passed in June 2024 and became part of a broader appropriations bill reflecting national security concerns. TikTok has consistently denied any wrongdoing, indicating that they are committed to defending against the accusations.
The situation escalated when, in January 2025, TikTok was removed from app stores operated by Apple, Google, and others after the deadline for divestiture elapsed without compliance. These events led to heightened fears about the app’s accessibility in the U.S., with the American public left in limbo over TikTok’s future. However, in mid-February 2025, the app was made available again after the U.S. Department of Justice assured tech companies they would not face daily penalties for supporting TikTok while it challenged the divestiture law.
Before joining TikTok, Brown worked part-time on the board of directors for the New York charity God’s Love We Deliver. His previous roles include serving as chief corporate communications officer at WBD and holding senior positions at notable companies such as 21st Century Fox, where he was head of corporate affairs and communications, as well as at MTV Networks and Sony BMG. He was instrumental in overseeing communications during the merger of Discovery Inc. with WarnerMedia to create Warner Bros Discovery in 2020.
According to sources, Brown reports directly to Zenia Mucha, the chief brand and communications officer at TikTok. However, despite the high-profile nature of his new position, TikTok spokespeople have not returned requests for comment regarding Brown's hiring process or immediate plans. This silence adds an air of mystery to how the company may navigate its current challenges with a new communications strategist at the helm.
Furthermore, TikTok is facing ongoing turbulence. Blake Chandlee, the global business solutions head in charge of advertising sales and marketing at TikTok, is also reportedly leaving the company. These departures come at a time when ByteDance is pressured to sell its U.S. operations, especially as it faced a 12-hour blackout of its app earlier this year while presidential exclusions and legal terms were ironed out.
President Donald Trump had also intervened, signing an executive order delaying the enforcement of the TikTok ban until April 5, 2025, thus temporarily stalling immediate repercussions for ByteDance. With all of these dynamics—corporate shifts, legislative demands, and leadership changes—Nathaniel Brown's role assumes critical importance in stabilizing TikTok’s public communications and navigating an increasingly complex landscape.
As TikTok continues to expand its user base and presence globally, it remains to be seen how effective Brown will be in addressing the myriad communication challenges presented by legislators and public opinion. The path ahead is rocky, yet his appointment may signal a proactive step towards restoring confidence in the platform and improving its public image amidst ongoing scrutiny. TikTok’s journey through these turbulent waters will undoubtedly be closely watched by both industry observers and users alike.
