Shou Zi Chew is a prominent figure in the tech industry, best known for his role as the CEO of TikTok, a social media platform that has taken the world by storm. Appointed in March 2021, Chew has been at the forefront of navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the rapidly evolving landscape of digital content creation and consumption.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Shou Zi Chew |
| Date of Birth | January 1, 1983 |
| Place of Birth | Singapore |
| Nationality | Singaporean |
| Spouse | Vivian Kao |
| Children | Two |
| Occupations | CEO of TikTok, Former CFO of Xiaomi |
| Net Worth | Estimated at $200 million (2025) |
Early Life and Education
Shou Zi Chew was born on January 1, 1983, in Singapore. He grew up in a multicultural environment that fostered his interest in technology and business from an early age.
Chew pursued higher education at University College London (UCL), where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics. His academic prowess continued to shine as he later attended Harvard Business School, where he completed his Master of Business Administration (MBA). It was during his time at Harvard that he developed a deeper understanding of global business dynamics and strategic management.
Career
Shou Zi Chew began his career at Goldman Sachs as an investment banker, gaining valuable insights into financial markets and corporate strategy. He then moved to the tech sector, joining DST Global, a venture capital firm focused on internet companies. In 2015, Chew became the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of Xiaomi Corporation, where he played a key role in the company’s global expansion and solidified its status as a leading smartphone manufacturer.
In March 2021, Chew was appointed CEO of TikTok. Under his leadership, the platform has experienced rapid growth, attracting millions of users worldwide while addressing regulatory challenges and enhancing user safety.
Since becoming CEO, Chew has faced significant hurdles, particularly regarding a potential ban in the United States due to concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership and data practices. In April 2024, Congress passed the Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act, requiring ByteDance to divest its U.S. assets by January 19, 2025, or face a ban.
With over 170 million U.S. users, the stakes are high. Chew argues that a ban would violate First Amendment rights and asserts that no user data has been shared with China. TikTok has partnered with Oracle to manage U.S. data, but skepticism among lawmakers remains.
Recently, the Supreme Court upheld the law mandating a ban unless ByteDance sells its U.S. operations, increasing pressure on Chew to find a solution. As of January 2025, TikTok’s future in the U.S. is uncertain, with discussions about potential executive orders to delay the ban ongoing.
Personal Life
Shou Zi Chew is married to Vivian Kao, whom he met during their time at Harvard Business School. The couple shares a commitment to family values and balancing their professional lives with their personal lives. Together, they have three children. Chew often emphasizes the importance of family and quality time spent together amidst his demanding career.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Shou Zi Chew’s net worth is estimated to be around $200 million. This wealth is attributed to his successful career in finance and technology, particularly through his roles at Xiaomi and TikTok. His position as CEO of one of the most influential social media platforms further contributes to his financial success.
