CEO Resigns Amid Scandal at Astronomer

The chief executive officer of Astronomer, Andy Byron, has stepped down following a scandal involving misconduct with the company’s HR chief, Kristin Cabot.

Cabot, who has been with the company since November 2024 as Chief People Officer, resigned shortly after being caught on video with Byron on a kiss cam during a Coldplay concert. The incident, which also revealed their close relationship, sparked a formal investigation by the company. Both Byron and Cabot were initially placed on leave pending the probe.

Band singer Chris Martin noticed the couple during the concert and humorously commented, suggesting they might be having an affair or simply shy. As the camera recorded them, Byron quickly ducked out of view, and Cabot appeared embarrassed, hiding her face.

Andy Byron and Kristin cabot on the kiss cam at a Coldplay concert in 2025 — On July 16, Byron and Cabot were caught on the kiss cam during a Coldplay concert, exhibiting close behavior that drew attention.
**Credit:** Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Images

Following the viral video, more details surfaced about Byron and Cabot’s private lives. Cabot is reportedly married to Andrew Cabot, CEO of Privateer Rum, and they own a home together in New England purchased for $2.2 million in February. Meanwhile, Byron is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, with whom he shares two children. After the incident, Megan deactivated her social media account.

Within a day of the scandal going public, Astronomer announced Byron’s resignation. The company reaffirmed its commitment to its core values and indicated that their operations remain unaffected, with interim CEO Pete DeJoy continuing to lead.

The company stated, “Our leaders are expected to uphold standards in conduct and accountability. The Board of Directors has accepted Byron’s resignation and will search for a new CEO.”