In a surprising turn of events, tech company Astronomer has appointed Pete DeJoy, cofounder and Chief Product Officer, as interim CEO following the controversial behavior of Andy Byron, the former CEO, at a recent Coldplay concert. The incident, which involved Byron being caught in a seemingly intimate moment with coworker Kristin Cabot on the concert’s kiss cam, has sparked significant media attention and public speculation.
The company confirmed the leadership change on July 18, 2025, stating that Byron has been placed on leave as they navigate the fallout from the viral incident. “We will share more details as appropriate in the coming days,” the statement read, emphasizing the company’s commitment to its core values and culture.
Byron, 50, was seen on the Jumbotron at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts, on July 16, embracing Cabot during Coldplay’s performance. Upon realizing they were being filmed, both individuals reacted awkwardly; Byron quickly withdrew his arms, while Cabot covered her face in embarrassment. Coldplay’s frontman, Chris Martin, humorously commented on the situation, suggesting the pair might be having an affair or simply be shy.
In the wake of the scandal, Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, reportedly altered her Facebook name, removing “Byron” from her profile, which has led to further speculation about the state of their marriage. She has since deleted her account, and neither party has publicly addressed the situation.
The company issued a formal statement on LinkedIn, reiterating its commitment to accountability and announcing a formal investigation into the matter. “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability,” the statement read, highlighting the seriousness with which Astronomer is treating the incident.
Byron, who has held the CEO position since 2023, has not yet issued a public statement regarding the scandal. His relationship with Cabot has come under scrutiny, especially considering she was hired by Astronomer in November 2024. Byron previously praised Cabot’s leadership skills, describing her as a valuable asset to the company.
Cabot, in her own statement, expressed enthusiasm for her role within the company, emphasizing the importance of aligning people strategy with business strategy. “There’s so much more to it, and I was energized in my conversations with Andy and the Astronomer leadership team about the opportunities that exist here,” she stated.
As the investigation unfolds, many are left wondering how this scandal will affect both Byron’s career and the future of Astronomer. The incident has not only generated a flurry of memes and reactions from the public but also raised questions about workplace relationships and the responsibilities of leadership in maintaining professional boundaries.
The coming days will likely reveal more about the internal dynamics at Astronomer and how the company plans to move forward in the wake of this controversy. For now, fans and followers of the tech scene are closely watching how this situation develops and what it means for the company’s leadership and public image.