In a stunning development that has shaken the tech industry, Astronomer, a leading AI firm, has named cofounder Pete DeJoy as its interim CEO following the resignation of Andy Byron, the company’s former CEO. The decision comes after Byron was caught in a highly publicized affair with Kristin Cabot, the company’s Chief People Officer, during a Coldplay concert in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on July 16.

Both Byron and Cabot, who were filmed cuddling on the Jumbotron during the concert, are married to other people—Byron to Megan Kerrigan Byron and Cabot to Andrew Cabot, the CEO of Privateer Rum. The incident, which went viral and prompted a social media frenzy, has caused significant damage to the reputation of both individuals and the company they led.

Pete DeJoy, left, has been named interim CEO of Astronomer, an AI firm, after its former chief executive, Andy Byron, resigned once he was caught cuddling with company employee Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay concert. They’re married to other people. © Pete DeJoy — X/TikTok — Instaagraace

The Fallout: Byron Steps Down, DeJoy Takes Over

Following the viral incident, Andy Byron swiftly resigned from his position as CEO. On Friday, Astronomer confirmed in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) that Byron’s resignation had been accepted by the Board of Directors. The company also announced that Pete DeJoy, Astronomer’s cofounder and Chief Product Officer, would step in as interim CEO.

“We are pleased to announce that Pete DeJoy will serve as interim CEO while the Board of Directors begins a search for our next Chief Executive,” the statement read. DeJoy, who has been with Astronomer since its inception and has played a key role in its success, is now tasked with steering the company through a period of crisis.

DeJoy, a graduate of Bowdoin College, has been instrumental in the development of the company’s flagship platform, Astro, which is used by companies like Uber, Ford, and LinkedIn to manage data operations. While he has not publicly commented on the scandal, his quiet response has not gone unnoticed. Sources report that DeJoy liked a LinkedIn post by former Astronomer VP Zachary Hensley, which admitted to finding humor in the memes circulating about the affair.

The Scandal: Coldplay Kiss Cam Incident Exposes Secret Affair

The scandal began when a fan filmed Byron and Cabot on the Coldplay concert’s Kiss Cam, sharing an intimate embrace in full view of the audience. The video quickly spread across social media, and Coldplay’s frontman Chris Martin added fuel to the fire with his lighthearted comment: “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy.” The moment was captured on video and circulated widely, leading to intense speculation about the nature of their relationship.

For both Byron and Cabot, the fallout from the scandal was immediate and severe. Byron, a once-respected leader in the tech industry, was left to contend with the personal and professional consequences of the public exposure. His wife, Megan Kerrigan Byron, reportedly deleted her husband’s last name from her social media profiles and locked down her accounts in the wake of the scandal.

Cabot, who had joined Astronomer in November 2024, is now facing internal scrutiny. Her position within the company is uncertain, and the affair has raised questions about professional boundaries and workplace ethics. The scandal has cast a shadow over Astronomer, with employees and investors alike questioning the company’s leadership and decision-making processes.

DeJoy’s Role and the Future of Astronomer

Pete DeJoy’s appointment as interim CEO comes at a pivotal moment for Astronomer. The company, valued at over $1 billion, had been a pioneer in the DataOps space, helping clients manage data and scale their AI initiatives. However, the scandal has put the company’s future in question, with many wondering if the leadership crisis will impact Astronomer’s growth trajectory.

While DeJoy’s role as interim CEO is a temporary fix, the company’s board is already on the lookout for a permanent replacement. For now, DeJoy’s leadership will be crucial in restoring confidence within the company, maintaining relationships with investors, and addressing the fallout from the scandal. As a cofounder of the company, he carries the weight of the company’s legacy, and his management style will likely be tested as the company moves forward from this crisis.

What’s Next for Kristin Cabot and Andy Byron?

The future of Kristin Cabot at Astronomer remains uncertain. While the company has not made a formal decision regarding her position, the internal investigation into the affair is expected to determine whether she will continue in her role. Cabot’s involvement in the scandal has raised questions about potential conflicts of interest and the ethical implications of her relationship with the CEO.

As for Andy Byron, his resignation has left his professional future in limbo. His departure from Astronomer comes at a time when the company is still riding high on the success of its flagship platform, but his personal scandal could have long-lasting consequences for his reputation in the tech world.

The Larger Implications: Privacy and Corporate Ethics

The Astronomer scandal raises broader questions about privacy and corporate ethics, particularly in a world where personal lives are increasingly subject to public scrutiny. The public exposure of a private moment has sparked a conversation about the ethical boundaries of workplace relationships, the responsibility of companies to protect their employees’ privacy, and the dangers of mixing personal and professional lives.

The incident at the Coldplay concert serves as a reminder of the fine line between public and private life, especially for high-profile individuals like CEOs and top executives. The exposure of Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot’s relationship not only put their personal lives on display but also highlighted the potential consequences of leadership decisions that cross ethical boundaries.

Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Astronomer

As Astronomer moves forward with Pete DeJoy as interim CEO, the company faces a critical juncture. The scandal involving Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot has shaken the organization to its core, and the road ahead will require careful navigation. Whether the company can recover from the scandal and regain its footing in the tech world depends on how it handles the aftermath, both publicly and internally.

For now, Astronomer’s future remains uncertain, and its leaders—Byron, Cabot, and DeJoy—will need to address the crisis head-on in order to protect the company’s reputation and ensure its continued success in the competitive tech industry. The fallout from the scandal will likely continue to impact the company in the coming months, but with strong leadership and careful decision-making, Astronomer may yet emerge from this difficult period stronger than ever.