Andy Byron has officially stepped down as CEO of DataOps company Astronomer, following a now-infamous kiss cam incident at a Coldplay concert that set social media ablaze and raised serious questions about the company’s leadership and workplace culture.
The incident occurred at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday, where Byron was caught on the venue’s jumbotron in a compromising moment with Astronomer’s HR boss, Kristin Cabot. The pair appeared to be canoodling when the camera zoomed in, but Byron quickly released Cabot and ducked out of view after realizing they were being broadcast to thousands of fans in attendance—and now, millions online.
The awkward moment, while brief, ignited a media firestorm. The sighting prompted widespread criticism and speculation, particularly due to the professional relationship between the two and the company’s stance on leadership conduct. The viral video led to renewed scrutiny of Astronomer’s internal culture, especially as both individuals involved held top-tier positions within the organization.
According to company sources, Byron’s resignation was accepted on July 19, just days after the incident. The board of directors, eager to manage the fallout and reaffirm its commitment to company values, swiftly acted to replace him. Cofounder Pete DeJoy has stepped in as interim CEO, leading the company while a formal search for a permanent replacement is underway.
Astronomer has released a statement distancing itself from the actions of its former CEO and emphasizing that leaders at the company are expected to uphold the highest standards of accountability and behavior. The board’s decisive action suggests a strong effort to reinforce trust with employees and clients alike.
While the company moves forward under new leadership, the scandal continues to ripple across tech and business communities as a cautionary tale of how public missteps—even in seemingly personal moments—can have immediate and far-reaching consequences for professional reputations and corporate leadership.