Astronomer CEO Resigns After Coldplay Concert 'Kiss Cam' Scandal With HR Chief Sparks Firestorm
The CEO of Astronomer resigned after a viral video exposed him embracing the company’s HR chief at a Coldplay concert, sparking widespread backlash. The incident, highlighting ethical breaches, led to an investigation and a leadership shakeup at the billion-dollar tech firm.
Andy Byron, CEO of the U.S. tech firm Astronomer, resigned following a viral scandal sparked by a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. A "kiss cam" video, which amassed hundreds of millions of views, captured Byron embracing Kristin Cabot, the company’s Chief People Officer, during the performance. Both individuals, married to others, attempted to hide when they appeared on the stadium’s giant screen, prompting Coldplay’s lead singer, Chris Martin, to quip, “This is either an affair, or they’re just really shy.” The footage, shared widely on platforms like TikTok and X, led to intense public scrutiny. Byron’s wife, Megan Krigan Byron, an educator at Bancroft School, removed his surname from her Facebook profile and later deleted her account entirely. Social media reactions were swift, with one X user commenting, “Andy Byron’s Coldplay blunder is the corporate meltdown of the year.”
Astronomer, valued at over $1.2 billion after raising $93 million in May 2025, initially suspended Byron and Cabot on July 18, announcing a formal investigation. The company stated, “Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.” Byron’s resignation was confirmed the next day, with the board accepting it and appointing co-founder Pete DeJoy as interim CEO. “Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the board has accepted it. We expect appropriate conduct, and in this case, that standard was not met,” the company declared on X. The investigation continues, with no clear indication of Cabot’s status, though reports suggest she remains on leave. Former employees described Byron’s management as “toxic” and “aggressive,” with one stating, “He got what he deserved.” The scandal, dubbed “Coldplay-gate,” has generated over 22,000 news articles and 15 million engagements, rivaling major global controversies.