The CEO of Astronomer, Andy Byron, has been placed on leave following a viral incident where he was caught on a Coldplay concert kiss cam with a colleague, sparking cheating allegations and a company investigation.
Caught on Camera: The Coldplay Kiss Cam
On July 17, a seemingly innocent moment at a Coldplay concert in Boston turned into a major corporate scandal. Astronomer CEO Andy Byron was spotted on the jumbotron’s kiss cam with Kristin Cabot, the company’s Chief People Officer.
The pair appeared to hug and lean in, reportedly attempting to duck out of frame as the camera zoomed in. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin initially joked about the encounter, but a clip of the incident quickly spread online, leading to widespread speculation and a cheating scandal.
Company Launches Immediate Probe
Following the viral video, Astronomer, a billion-dollar data software company, moved swiftly. The company released a statement via LinkedIn emphasizing its commitment to values and accountability, stating that leaders are expected to set high standards.
Sources familiar with the situation confirmed that both Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot were placed on immediate leave. Astronomer’s Board of Directors has since launched a formal investigation into the matter, promising to share more details soon.
Personal Fallout and Rumor Control
The online buzz quickly extended to Byron’s personal life. Public records indicate that Andy Byron is married, and hours after the video went viral, his wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, reportedly removed his last name from her social media profiles and later deactivated her Facebook account. Kristin Cabot’s public records show her divorce was finalized in 2022.
Amidst the swirling rumors, Astronomer also addressed a case of mistaken identity. Another employee, Alyssa Stoddard, was incorrectly linked to the kiss cam incident. The company clarified that Stoddard was not at the concert and was wrongly implicated in the controversy.
A Pattern of Past Concerns?
This isn’t the first time Andy Byron has faced scrutiny over his professional conduct. A 2018 exposé by The Information detailed allegations of mistreatment from his previous role at Cybereason, a cybersecurity firm.
Former employees at Cybereason reportedly described a toxic work environment under Byron’s leadership. They claimed he would lash out at those who disagreed with him, even threatening dismissals, making it difficult for staff to challenge his decisions. This allegedly led to high employee turnover and a negative workplace culture.
- Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and CPO Kristin Cabot were caught on a Coldplay kiss cam.
- The viral video led to cheating allegations and a company investigation.
- Both executives have been placed on leave while the board conducts a formal probe.
- Andy Byron has faced previous allegations of mistreating staff at a former company.
The incident continues to unfold, highlighting the rapid impact of social media on corporate reputation and leadership accountability.
