Astronomer CEO placed on leave following cozy sighting with employee at Coldplay show
Astronomer CEO Andy Byron has been put on leave after he was caught on a Jumbotron video at a Coldplay concert hugging the company's Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot. Both individuals are reportedly married to other people.
According to the New York-based company, Astronomer’s cofounder and chief product officer, Pete DeJoy, is now serving as interim CEO as Byron has been "placed on leave."
"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," the company said in a statement.
The tech company said that a formal investigation has been launched and more details will be shared "very shortly."
It also addressed wrong information circulating online, clarifying that Alyssa Stoddard, the woman people claim to be beside the pair, "was not at the event, and no other employees were in the video."
According to them, Byron has not made any official statements, and the currently circulating statement is "incorrect."
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.
— Astronomer (@astronomerio) July 18, 2025
The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional… pic.twitter.com/rfrAQ5bygy
Last July 16, footage of the two executives went viral after a Jumbotron kiss-cam caught them snuggling.
Seeing them on the big screen, frontman Chris Martin said, "Oh, look at these two."
Realizing that they're in the spotlight, Cabot covered her face and turned her back.
"Come on, you ok?" Martin said as Byron, already out of the camera's sight, sat on the ground and waved both of his hands.
"Uh oh, what? Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy," Martin added, as the crowd erupted in cheers. Cabot can also be seen leaving her spot.
Following this, Byron's wife reportedly dropped her surname on her Facebook account, before ultimately deleting her account.
