NEW YORK – Andy Byron, CEO of the popular AI-powered DataOps platform Astronomer, resigned Saturday following a viral incident at a Coldplay concert, where he was seen embracing an employee on the stadium’s “kiss cam. The board accepted his resignation and has appointed co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy as interim CEO.
The employee, identified as Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot, was also placed on leave pending an investigation.
Astronomer, valued at over $1 billion and known for its AI‑powered DataOps platform, emphasized that leaders are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct. The board has launched a search for Byron’s successor.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin added to the public spectacle with an onstage quip, joking, “Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy,” as the moment played out on the stadium screen