Andy Byron, CEO of data tech firm Astronomer, has resigned after a video of him embracing Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot during a Coldplay concert went viral.
The awkward moment occurred when the pair appeared on the stadium’s “kiss cam” at Massachusetts’ Gillette Stadium, prompting them to duck out of view as the crowd erupted. Astronomer’s board accepted Byron’s resignation Saturday, stating leaders must “set the standard in conduct and accountability” and that this standard “was not met.” The company denied circulating statements attributed to Byron, clarifying he had issued no personal remarks about the incident.
The clip, viewed millions of times, drew a lighthearted quip from Coldplay’s Chris Martin—”Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy”—but triggered serious consequences. Astronomer swiftly launched an internal investigation, placed Byron on leave, and removed his profile from its leadership page. Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy has stepped in as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement. Notably, Byron remains listed as a board member despite his LinkedIn profile going private amid the fallout.
The incident has sparked debates about privacy, workplace relationships, and executive accountability in the social media age. While Astronomer acknowledged its sudden notoriety, it emphasized its focus on its data/AI mission remains unchanged. The episode underscores how personal moments, when amplified publicly, can derail careers and test corporate crisis response—especially when they involve high-profile executives under scrutiny.
