Following a viral “kiss‑cam” moment with his HR head at a Coldplay concert, Andy Byron steps down as company CEO; co‑founder Pete DeJoy named interim chief.

Viral Moment Sparks Corporate Chaos

July 19, 2025: During a Coldplay concert earlier this week, Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot—Astronomer’s Chief People Officer—found themselves abruptly projected in a kiss‑cam moment. The footage went viral across social media, drawing widespread attention, memes, and intense scrutiny over the executives’ personal behavior.

Placed on Leave, Then Resigns

Immediately after the incident, Astronomer’s board placed both Byron and Cabot on administrative leave while launching an internal investigation. On Saturday, Andy Byron officially tendered his resignation, which the board accepted. In a formal statement, the company emphasized its commitment to leadership integrity and accountability.

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Interim Leadership Appointed

Co‑founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy has stepped in as interim CEO while the board initiates the search for a permanent replacement. In the interim, Astronomer affirmed that its DataOps mission and customer commitments remain unaffected.

Company Message: Business Continues

Astronomer reassured clients and stakeholders that despite a surge in brand awareness due to the scandal, their focus on data analytics and AI infrastructure remains priorities. The firm underscored that internal upheaval has not compromised their product or service delivery.

Cultural & Management Fallout

Industry insiders indicate the controversy has highlighted deeper questions about company culture and executive behavior. Many former employees described Byron’s leadership as aggressive, adding fuel to discussions about whether this was an isolated incident or a symptom of broader leadership issues.

What began as an unexpected kiss‑cam moment at a concert has led to dramatic executive upheaval at Astronomer. With Byron’s resignation formalized and DeJoy at the helm, the company now aims to steer the narrative back to its core business goals—even as the public watches closely.