July 19 — Andy Byron, CEO of the data software company Astronomer, has been placed on leave after a video of him and the company’s Chief of Human Resources, Kristin Cabot, appeared on a “kiss cam” at a Coldplay concert and went viral online.
The company confirmed the move in a statement posted to LinkedIn: “The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”
Astronomer stressed its leadership is held to high standards of conduct and accountability. “Our leaders are expected to set the standard,” the company said, adding that “no other employees were involved.”
The clip showed Byron and Cabot embracing before reacting with surprise as their faces appeared on the venue’s big screen. Their attempt to hide only intensified speculation on social media.
Astronomer clarified that Alyssa Stoddard, another employee mentioned in circulating rumors, was not present at the event. “Reports suggesting otherwise are incorrect,” the company added, noting that Byron himself has not issued any public statement.
In the interim, co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy will serve as CEO while the investigation proceeds.
