Nazia Saeed
- Andy Byron resigns after being filmed in an intimate moment with HR chief Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay concert
- Astronomer launched a formal investigation after the video went viral on social media
- Company co-founder Pete DeJoy appointed interim CEO as search for permanent replacement begins
Andy Byron, CEO of New York-based tech firm Astronomer, has officially resigned following a viral video that captured him embracing a woman identified by some outlets as Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot during a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday.
The incident gained attention after the couple appeared on the venue’s Jumbotron during the concert. The moment unfolded live during Coldplay’s “Jumbotron Song,” a segment in which lead singer Chris Martin sings lyrics about unsuspecting fans caught on camera. Martin joked, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” as the woman covered her face and the pair quickly exited the frame.
On Friday, Astronomer placed Byron on administrative leave and announced an internal investigation. A day later, the company confirmed Byron’s resignation, and that co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy will serve as interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent successor.
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Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met, Astronomers said in a formal statement.
Company under scrutiny for executive conduct
Astronomer is a privately held software company that specializes in workflow management tools. The firm has emphasized a values-driven culture since its founding and expressed that leadership behavior must reflect those values especially amid growing scrutiny of workplace dynamics and accountability in the tech sector.
As of Friday, both Byron and Cabot’s LinkedIn profiles had been deactivated.
Public spaces, private consequences
The moment occurred in a public venue, and Gillette Stadium’s privacy policy clearly states that attendees may be filmed or photographed: We may capture your image, voice and/or likeness, including through the use of CCTV cameras and/or when we film or photograph you in a public location.
While the couple’s on-camera interaction may have seemed lighthearted to the audience, it has had serious professional consequences. Astronomer’s board acted swiftly, signaling that even non-workplace behavior can impact leadership credibility in the age of viral media.
Elon Musk couldn’t resist joining the fun
After a video of Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and HR chief Kristin Cabot kissing on the “kiss cam” went viral during a Coldplay concert now dubbed “Coldplaygate” Musk jumped in with his trademark humor.
He posted a meme on X (formerly Twitter) featuring OpenAI’s Sam Altman and ex-Apple designer Jony Ive photoshopped into the same kiss cam scene. The caption? “Viva la Vida,” nodding to Coldplay’s iconic song. Musk’s post went viral in its own right, adding fuel to the internet frenzy.
Musk wasn’t done yet. He later replied to a parody post on X with a laughing emoji. The post featured a fake apology from the Astronomer CEO, taking a cheeky jab at the entire situation.
