Andy Byron, CEO of New York-based data and AI tech company Astronomer, has officially resigned following a viral video showing him embracing a colleague at a Coldplay concert.
The clip, which captured Byron on the venue’s “kiss cam” alongside Kristin Cabot, the company’s Chief People Officer, triggered swift online speculation, and corporate consequences.
On Saturday, Astronomer’s board of directors accepted Andy Byron’s resignation, announcing that co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy would serve as interim CEO while a search for a permanent replacement begins.
Coldplay KissCam Viral Moment That Leads To Leadership Shakeup
The incident took place at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, where Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot appeared briefly on the big screen during the concert’s kiss cam segment. The video quickly made its way online, sparking controversy and drawing scrutiny toward the nature of their relationship.
Although initial online chatter suggested Byron had released a statement addressing the situation, Astronomer clarified via LinkedIn that no such statement had been issued by Byron. “Reports saying otherwise are all incorrect,” the company wrote, also noting the misidentification of a third individual in the viral video.
Also Read: Coldplay Kiss Cam Outs Astronomer’s CEO Andy Byron Affair With HR Chief Kristin Cabot
Astronomer.io Statement on Leadership Conduct
In a formal press release, Astronomer addressed the situation directly:
“Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.”
The statement added that while “awareness of our company may have changed overnight,” its mission remains rooted in solving complex data and artificial intelligence problems.
From Astronomer.io CEO to Andy Byron’s Silent Exit
Following the announcement of his resignation, Byron’s LinkedIn profile was taken offline, and his name was removed from Astronomer’s leadership page. However, as of publication, he remains listed as a member of the board of directors, though that status may also be subject to change.
Kristin Cabot, who was seen alongside Byron in the video, has not publicly commented on the incident and remains listed on Astronomer’s leadership team as Chief People Officer.
About Astronomer and What’s Next
Founded in 2018, Astronomer has emerged as a key player in the data orchestration and artificial intelligence space, known especially for its support of Apache Airflow. The company partners with major enterprises to streamline data workflows and has gained industry respect for its technical offerings — but it now faces public scrutiny outside the tech realm.
New interim CEO Pete DeJoy is one of Astronomer’s original co-founders and has long been involved in product development and strategy. His appointment suggests a desire for internal stability during a time of unexpected leadership transition.
Andy Bryon Reputation, and the Viral Age
The Byron resignation is a cautionary tale in an era where professional reputation can shift overnight due to viral content. As social media blurs the lines between personal moments and professional conduct, executives — especially in high-growth tech companies — are increasingly held to public standards beyond boardrooms and quarterly earnings.
Whether Astronomer can weather the storm and refocus its public image remains to be seen. But with a new interim leader in place and a clear corporate statement affirming its values, the company is signaling a forward-looking posture.
Also Read: 5 CEO Scandals Like Andy Byron’s That Shook Corporate America