A Coldplay concert unexpectedly put startup tech firm Astronomer in the global spotlight—but not for its data and AI achievements. Instead, a viral video of co-founder and CEO Andy Byron at the show has led to significant leadership changes at the company.
In the video, Byron is seen getting cozy with Kristin Cabot, Astronomer’s Chief People Officer, during the Massachusetts concert on July 16. Once the clip surfaced online and began trending across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), many speculated that the two were involved in an affair.
CEO Steps Down, Chief People Officer Placed on Leave
Following the public backlash, Andy Byron officially resigned from his position as CEO, and Kristin Cabot was placed on administrative leave. The scandal not only rocked the company internally but also triggered widespread media attention that caught the startup off guard.
Astronomer released a statement confirming the leadership changes and emphasized a renewed focus on the future of the business.
Pete DeJoy Appointed Interim CEO, Issues Statement
Pete DeJoy, another co-founder of Astronomer, has taken on the role of interim CEO in the wake of the controversy. In a candid LinkedIn post, DeJoy addressed the situation:
“Over the weekend, I stepped into the role of Interim CEO at Astronomer, a company that I’ve proudly poured my entire professional life into helping build.”
He acknowledged the “unusual and surreal” nature of the sudden media spotlight, especially for a relatively low-profile startup in the data and AI space.
“While I would never have wished for it to happen like this, Astronomer is now a household name,” he added.
Company Resilience Amid Scandal
DeJoy emphasized Astronomer’s history of resilience and adaptability through challenging times—from navigating a global pandemic to surviving a banking collapse.
“At Astronomer, we have never shied away from challenges… each time we’ve emerged stronger.”
His message also included a strong commitment to the company’s team and customers, signaling that the business will press forward despite the personal controversy involving its former leaders.
Personal Lives Thrust Into Public Eye
In the aftermath, additional details about Andy Byron’s personal life emerged. He is reportedly married to Megan Kerrigan and has two children, adding fuel to the online outrage surrounding the viral moment.
What’s Next for Astronomer?
As the dust settles, industry watchers are curious about how Astronomer will recover from the reputational blow. While the company has taken swift internal action, the long-term impact on its image and business partnerships remains to be seen.
For now, Astronomer is determined to move ahead—with a new leader at the helm and a renewed focus on delivering value in the fast-evolving data and AI landscape.
