Astronomer CEO Andy Byron positioned on go away amid viral Coldplay video scandal, probe underway

Astronomer, a New York-based AI agency, has positioned its Chief Govt Officer Andy Byron on go away following the emergence of a viral video capturing him in a heat embrace with the corporate’s HR chief Kristin Cabot throughout a Coldplay live performance in Boston. The corporate has appointed co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy as interim CEO and confirmed that its board has launched a proper investigation into the incident.

Interim management and ongoing inquiry

In an official assertion on X (previously Twitter), the corporate confirmed that Pete DeJoy is now serving as interim CEO whereas Byron stays on go away. The announcement emphasied the agency’s dedication to its founding values, stating, “Our leaders are anticipated to set the usual in each conduct and accountability. The Board of Administrators has initiated a proper investigation into this matter, and we can have extra particulars to share very shortly.” Astronomer clarified that Byron has but to concern a public assertion, noting, “experiences saying in any other case are all incorrect.”

Video sparks scandal

The controversy started after concert-goers have been proven Byron and Cabot on the stadium’s “kiss cam” at Gillette Stadium. The pair appeared to hug and tried to keep away from additional consideration as they seen themselves on the massive screens. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin even quipped, “Both they’re having an affair or they’re simply actually shy,” then added, “Oh s**t, I hope we did not do one thing unhealthy.”

Following the incident, a misidentification occurred when worker Alyssa Stoddard was mistakenly recognized as the lady within the video. Astronomer swiftly dispelled the error, stating, “Alyssa Stoddard was not on the occasion and no different staff have been within the video.”

Private repercussions and management fallout

The incident has sparked hypothesis each inside and outdoors the organisation. Andy Byron, married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, eliminated his spouse’s surname from her Fb web page shortly after the video was circulated. The couple, who’ve two kids and reside in Northborough, Massachusetts, haven’t publicly commented on the matter. Megan Byron is employed as Affiliate Director for Decrease College and Hope Graham Program Admissions on the Bancroft College.

Profession background and new HR appointment

Andy Byron was appointed Astronomer’s CEO in July 2023, in keeping with his now-deleted LinkedIn profile. He introduced years of government expertise from senior roles at Lacework, Cybereason, Fuze, BMC Software program, BladeLogic, and VeriCenter.

Kristin Cabot, the HR head implicated within the video alongside Byron, was employed in November 2024. On the time, Byron praised her “distinctive management and deep enterprise in expertise administration, worker engagement, and scaling individuals methods” — regard that helped assist Astronomer’s fast progress trajectory.

Because the investigation unfolds, stakeholders are watching intently. The board’s formal inquiry and Byron’s non permanent elimination sign the corporate’s intent to uphold its inner requirements. Updates are anticipated within the coming days as Astronomer goals to handle all sides of the matter pretty and transparently.