MASSACHUSETTS – The CEO of U.S.-based tech firm Astronomer Inc., Andy Byron, has stepped down after being caught in a viral kiss cam moment with the company’s Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay concert — a moment that sent shockwaves across social media and corporate circles.
The incident occurred on Wednesday night at Gillette Stadium, where the duo was spotted embracing on the stadium’s jumbo screen, unaware that their private moment would spark a public controversy.
Company Accepts Resignation, Calls for Accountability
Astronomer Inc., known for its work in data orchestration and machine learning tools, released a statement on LinkedIn Saturday, confirming Byron’s resignation:
“Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.”
The board accepted Byron’s resignation after he was placed on administrative leave Friday. Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy will now serve as interim CEO.
Viral Moment Raises Ethical Questions
The awkward footage, which shows Byron ducking out of view and Cabot hiding her face, was amplified by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, who jokingly remarked:
“Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
However, what began as a humorous concert moment quickly escalated when internet users identified both executives via their social media profiles. The backlash prompted the company to address the matter publicly.
A spokesperson for Astronomer confirmed that Byron and Cabot were the only two employees involved in the video but declined to comment on Cabot’s employment status.
Corporate Culture Under Scrutiny
The resignation has fueled discussions around corporate ethics, workplace relationships, and personal conduct in leadership roles. Many online users praised the company’s swift response, while others questioned the double standards often applied based on gender or corporate hierarchy.
While Andy Byron has not issued a public statement, internal sources suggest the board moved quickly to mitigate reputational damage and reinforce corporate values.
