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The top leadership of data software firm Astronomer has been placed on leave following a social media furore sparked by a viral video of its CEO Andy Byron and HR head Kristin Cabot during a “kiss cam” moment at a Coldplay concert.

 

The board of directors has launched a formal investigation, while Byron and Cabot are reportedly negotiating their exit from the company, according to a report by Axios. Sources told the outlet that the delay in Astronomer’s official response was due to “Byron’s slow resignation and exit package negotiations.”

 

“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 stated. “The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter, and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”

 

The firm clarified that the woman seen in the widely circulated video was not Vice President of Human Resources Alyssa Stoddard, pushing back on misinformation that spread swiftly across social media platforms.

Also read: Who is Andy Byron? CEO's 'Kiss Cam' moment with HR sparks buzz

 

The footage, which has attracted considerable attention online, shows Byron embracing Cabot from behind during the concert. As the camera lingered on them, both appeared surprised and tried to shield their faces, though the moment had already been broadcast to the crowd.

 

Coldplay’s Kiss Cam accidentally exposed an alleged affair between the Astronomer CEO and the head of HR. pic.twitter.com/lU4t8VJutK

— Too Recklss (@TooRecklss) July 17, 2025

 

The board has appointed Pete DeJoy, Astronomer’s co-founder and Chief Product Officer, as interim CEO while the inquiry progresses.

 

Byron, who assumed the CEO role in July 2023, had previously led sales operations at Cybersecurity firm SentinelOne and Tenable. The viral episode, however, has raised serious questions about the leadership culture at Astronomer, a company known for its contributions to data orchestration software and open-source Airflow projects.

 

The development comes as workplace norms face increasing scrutiny across corporate America, particularly in matters of professional conduct and executive accountability.