Astronomer, a data orchestration tech company, found itself in the spotlight after a viral moment at a Coldplay concert led to the resignation of CEO Andy Byron. On July 16, Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot were caught on the venue’s kiss cam at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts. The pair, reportedly married to other people, appeared to be cuddling before quickly ducking out of view when they realized they were on the jumbotron.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin added fuel to the fire with a cheeky remark: “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.” The clip spread rapidly across social media, sparking memes, speculation, and widespread commentary. Internet sleuths quickly identified Byron and Cabot, and the company was forced to respond.
Astronomer announced a formal investigation and placed Byron on leave. Shortly after, Byron tendered his resignation, which the board accepted. Pete DeJoy, cofounder and Chief Product Officer, stepped in as interim CEO. The company emphasized its commitment to integrity and accountability, stating that its leaders are expected to uphold high standards of conduct2.
DeJoy didn’t shy away from the moment. He “liked” a LinkedIn post by former Astronomer VP Zachary Hensley, who reflected on the bizarre turn of events. Hensley’s post struck a balance between humor and nostalgia, recalling the camaraderie of the startup’s early days and praising the team’s resilience. “Startups are weird. They’re intense,” he wrote. “But I will always remember how many of us leaned in to support each other, even when it had nothing to do with work”.
While Byron and Cabot have remained silent, Byron’s wife reportedly removed his surname from her social media accounts, further fueling speculation. The company clarified that no other employees were involved in the incident and shut down fake apology statements circulating online.
Astronomer, valued at over $1 billion, continues to operate under DeJoy’s leadership. The company stated that while public awareness may have shifted overnight, its mission and work remain unchanged. “We’re continuing to do what we do best: helping our customers with their toughest data and AI problems,” the company said.
The scandal has sparked broader conversations about workplace ethics, leadership accountability, and the impact of viral moments on corporate reputations. As Astronomer navigates the fallout, many in the tech world are watching closely to see how the company rebuilds trust and moves forward.
