Andy Byron, CEO of the data orchestration firm Astronomer, has resigned following a viral controversy involving Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot that erupted after a Coldplay concert incident in Boston.
The now-infamous clip, which surfaced online, showed Byron and Cabot sharing a close moment during the show, wrapped in each other’s arms. The couple appeared visibly startled when the “kiss cam” zoomed in on them. While Byron ducked behind a railing, Cabot noticed the camera first. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, reacting in real-time, quipped: “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” further fanning speculation.
The video quickly went viral, triggering widespread backlash — not only because of the perceived intimacy between two married executives, but also due to the public nature of the incident. Online reactions ranged from memes and ridicule to serious allegations of infidelity, especially since both individuals are married:
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Byron to Megan Kerrigan Byron, Associate Director at the Bancroft School.
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Cabot to Andrew Cabot, CEO of Privateer Rum.
In response, Astronomer placed Byron on leave. Days later, the company confirmed his formal resignation, stating:
“Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met. Andy Byron has tendered his resignation, and the Board of Directors has accepted.”
The company reaffirmed its commitment to its core values and stated that it was handling the matter internally with due seriousness.
Byron’s professional background includes executive roles at Lacework, Cybereason, BladeLogic, BMC Software, and VeriCenter before he took the helm at Astronomer. Cabot, who remains at Astronomer as of the latest update, leads HR strategy and company culture initiatives.
In the aftermath, Megan Kerrigan Byron reportedly scrubbed her Facebook profile, removing her last name and later deactivating the account — a move many see as a direct response to the media storm.
This episode not only brings personal lives into the spotlight but also underscores how public perception, viral media, and workplace conduct can intersect with high-level corporate leadership accountability.
