Andy Byron, the now-former CEO of the billion-dollar tech company Astronomer, has officially stepped down following a viral incident at a Coldplay concert that sparked widespread backlash and an internal investigation.
The 50-year-old executive was caught on the venue’s kiss cam on Tuesday night in Boston, seen with his arms around Astronomer’s head of HR, Kristin Cabot. The moment quickly gained attention online, especially as the two appeared visibly startled and turned away as their faces appeared on the big screen.
Byron was placed on leave Friday, and on Saturday the company announced his resignation. In a statement, Astronomer emphasized its commitment to ethical leadership and accountability:
“Our leaders are expected to model the standards we uphold. Recently, that standard was not met.”
The company added that Pete DeJoy, cofounder and Chief Product Officer, will serve as interim CEO.
“While the public may be newly aware of us, our mission hasn’t changed. We remain focused on helping customers solve complex data and AI challenges.”
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, noticing the pair on the jumbotron, joked to the crowd:
“Oh look at these two! What? Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
Both Byron and Cabot are reportedly married—though public records suggest they reside at different addresses than their respective spouses. According to Massachusetts documents, Kristin Cabot is married to Andrew Cabot, CEO of Privateer Rum. She was still listed under her married name earlier this year when selling a $1.8 million home.
Andrew Cabot, who has been married multiple times, was seen wearing a wedding ring at his daughter’s birthday party in April 2024. Kristin was also pictured with his children at the celebration—though no ring was visible during the Coldplay concert.
As for Byron, his wife Megan appears to have removed his surname from her social media profiles shortly after the footage went viral.
Kristin Cabot joined Astronomer in late 2024. At the time, Byron publicly praised her, calling her a “perfect fit” due to her leadership in HR and her experience at fast-growing companies.
Astronomer has grown significantly under Byron’s leadership since he became CEO in 2023. The scandal, however, has now thrust the company into the spotlight for very different reasons.
The company confirmed that a formal investigation was launched shortly after the incident. Further details may emerge as the probe continues.