Astronomer CEO Resigns Following Viral Kiss Cam Incident Tech company Astronomer has confirmed the resignation of CEO Andy Byron following a viral video that sparked controversy.
The video, captured at a Coldplay concert, showed Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot in an affectionate
moment on the Kiss Cam, leading to speculation about a personal relationship between the two executives.
Both Byron and Cabot had been placed on leave pending an internal investigation. While the company has not disclosed the
outcome or Cabot’s current status, it emphasized its commitment to ethical leadership. Cofounder Pete DeJoy has
been named interim CEO as the board begins searching for a permanent replacement.
In statements shared on LinkedIn and X, Astronomer clarified misinformation circulating online—stating that
no other employees were involved and that a widely shared apology from Byron was fake.
The incident has drawn mixed reactions on social media. Some argued that leadership accountability
justified the company’s response, while others felt personal relationships shouldn’t determine professional consequences.
Despite the controversy, Astronomer appears focused on rebuilding trust and maintaining its values as it navigates the leadership transition.