In a surprising turn of events, Andy Byron, the CEO of Astronomer, has officially resigned following rumors of an affair that surfaced after a viral kiss cam incident at a Coldplay concert. The scandal has garnered significant media attention, leading to Byron’s departure from the company he led since 2023.
On July 19, 2025, a spokesperson for Astronomer released a statement confirming Byron’s resignation. “Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met,” the statement read. The Board of Directors accepted Byron’s resignation and announced that Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy will serve as interim CEO while the search for a new leader begins.
The controversy erupted when Byron and his colleague, Kristin Cabot, were caught on the kiss cam during Coldplay’s performance at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on July 16. The footage, which quickly went viral, showed Byron, who is married to Megan Kerrigan Byron, with his arms wrapped around Cabot’s waist. The couple attempted to duck out of sight upon realizing they were being filmed, but the moment had already been captured for the world to see.
In the wake of the scandal, Byron was placed on leave, and DeJoy stepped in to manage the company. The spokesperson emphasized that despite the turmoil, Astronomer remains dedicated to its mission of helping clients navigate complex data and AI challenges. “Before this week, we were known as a pioneer in the DataOps space, helping data teams power everything from modern analytics to production AI. While awareness of our company may have changed overnight, our product and our work for our customers have not,” the statement continued.
The fallout from the kiss cam incident has not only affected Byron’s professional life but also his personal life. His wife, Megan, reportedly reacted to the scandal by deleting her Facebook account and changing her last name on social media, indicating the emotional toll the situation has taken on their marriage.
Byron’s tenure at Astronomer began after he transitioned from his previous role as president of tech company Lacework. He had publicly praised Cabot when announcing her hiring as the Chief People Officer in November 2024, highlighting her leadership skills and expertise in talent management. However, the recent events have cast a shadow over their professional relationship.
As the story continues to unfold, the public’s interest remains piqued, especially given the high-profile nature of the individuals involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the scrutiny that public figures face and the potential consequences of their actions, both personally and professionally.
In the days following the kiss cam incident, various false statements purportedly from Byron circulated on social media, including a satirical confession about being a Coldplay fan. Astronomer was quick to deny these claims, further emphasizing the chaos surrounding the situation.
Cofounder Ry Walker distanced himself from the controversy, clarifying on social media that he is no longer involved with Astronomer and has no knowledge of the unfolding events. Walker humorously remarked about his Spotify playlist, noting that none of his 704 liked songs are by Coldplay, although he acknowledged Chris Martin’s vocal talent.
As the company navigates this challenging period, the focus will be on finding a new CEO who can lead Astronomer forward while maintaining its commitment to innovation and customer service. The Board of Directors is expected to conduct a thorough search for a suitable replacement, ensuring that the company’s values remain at the forefront of its leadership.
The scandal has sparked conversations about celebrity culture and the impact of public scrutiny on personal lives. Fans and observers alike are left wondering how this incident will affect Byron’s future endeavors and the reputation of Astronomer in the tech industry.
As the dust settles, it remains to be seen how Byron will move forward from this chapter of his life and what lessons can be learned from the fallout of a moment captured on the kiss cam. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for public figures about the importance of maintaining professionalism and accountability, even in seemingly private moments.
