Kristin Cabot, Chief People Officer at the U.S.-based data and AI firm Astronomer, has stepped down from her role following the viral circulation of a video showing her in an intimate embrace with the company’s former CEO, Andy Byron, during a Coldplay concert.
Her resignation comes just days after Byron also exited the company. He had initially been placed on leave as Astronomer launched an internal investigation into the incident. In a statement, the company confirmed: “Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted.”
The widely shared video—filmed during a Coldplay performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts—captured the pair embracing on a jumbo screen before they suddenly ducked out of view, sparking online speculation. Lead singer Chris Martin humorously addressed the moment onstage, saying: “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy.”
Media outlets in the U.S. identified the pair as Byron, who is married, and Cabot, raising questions about workplace ethics and leadership behavior.
The incident quickly snowballed across social media platforms, becoming a viral meme and drawing national attention. It also prompted public scrutiny of the company’s leadership culture.
Responding to the backlash, Astronomer released a statement reiterating its commitment to accountability and ethical leadership:
“Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.”
The New York-based tech firm has announced that its Chief Product Officer will continue as interim CEO while a search for permanent leadership begins.
In an internal update, Pete DeJoy, the interim leader, acknowledged the magnitude of the public spotlight: “The events of the past few days have received a level of media attention that few companies—let alone startups—ever encounter.” He emphasized the firm’s determination to move forward and continue building on its vision.
The unexpected turn of events has catapulted the relatively low-profile startup into mainstream discourse, forcing a reckoning over corporate leadership conduct in the digital age.
