Andy Byron, CEO of New York-based tech firm Astronomer, has resigned after a video showing him in an intimate moment with a colleague at a Coldplay concert went viral.
The company’s board announced Byron’s resignation in a statement on Saturday, confirming they have begun the search for his replacement. Astronomer’s co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Pete DeJoy, will serve as interim CEO.
The video, recorded at a Coldplay show at Gillette Stadium, captured Byron and Kristin Cabot, the firm’s Chief People Officer, appearing on the venue’s “kiss cam.” The two quickly withdrew from the camera’s view, sparking widespread online speculation and criticism. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin added to the buzz, joking, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
Astronomer emphasized that Byron had not issued any public comment on the incident, contrary to circulating online claims. The company also clarified that a third individual identified in the clip had been misidentified.
“Our leadership must reflect the values of integrity and accountability,” the company stated. “Unfortunately, that standard was not upheld in this instance.”
Astronomer, founded in 2018, reiterated that its core mission remains focused on solving challenges in data and artificial intelligence. The board has launched a formal investigation into the matter and promised further updates.
Byron’s LinkedIn profile has been taken offline and his name removed from the company’s executive team page, although he remains listed as a board member.
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