Astronomer, the fast‑growing data infrastructure firm, has appointed co‑founder Pete DeJoy as interim chief executive. This, after a viral video from a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium, Boston, on 16 July 2025 appeared to show former CEO Andy Byron and HR head Kristin Cabot in a moment that raised questions over workplace ethics.
The company has launched an internal investigation and placed both executives on leave. Byron has since stepped down from his role.
DeJoy's First Statement: 'Astronomer Is Now a Household Name'
Pete DeJoy, who also serves as the company's Chief Product Officer, addressed the global attention Astronomer has received in his first public statement since taking on the interim CEO role.
'The spotlight has been unusual and surreal for our team and, while I would never have wished for it to happen like this, Astronomer is now a household name,' he wrote on LinkedIn on 22 July, referencing the company's sudden spike in visibility. DeJoy also stressed Astronomer's ongoing commitment to ethical leadership, transparency and data integrity.
The board of directors moved quickly to stabilise company leadership, confirming that DeJoy will oversee operations while the investigation into Byron and Cabot's conduct continues.
The Viral Coldplay Moment That Sparked It All
During Coldplay's performance at Gillette Stadium, Byron and Cabot were shown on the venue's kiss-cam, embracing as the camera panned to the crowd. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin added to the spectacle by joking: 'Either they're having an affair or they're just very shy.'
The brief footage was captured and widely shared across platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), TikTok and Instagram, where it amassed more than 46 million views in a matter of days.
@instaagraace trouble in paradise?? 👀 #coldplay #boston #coldplayconcert #kisscam #fyp ♬ original sound - grace
Viewers quickly identified the pair, linking their professional roles to the public display and triggering online debate about corporate professionalism and workplace relationships.
Board Investigation and Public Clarification
Shortly after the clip went viral, Astronomer's board launched a formal investigation into potential breaches of internal policy. Both executives were placed on leave pending review. The company issued a public clarification stating that no other employees were present at the event and denied responsibility for several fabricated apology statements falsely attributed to Byron.
The board emphasised that while the moment was personal in nature, the public nature of the video and the company roles of those involved warranted a full ethical review.
Company Background and Stakeholder Concerns
Astronomer, founded in 2018, specialises in building data orchestration infrastructure used in AI development. Its clients include major firms such as Apple, Ford, and Uber. According to The Wall Street Journal, the company has raised over $375.13 million in funding, with backing from Insight Partners, Bain Capital Ventures, and Salesforce Ventures.
While the viral moment boosted name recognition, industry analysts warn that reputational damage could impact stakeholder trust, particularly in sectors involving sensitive data. Cabot's position as head of human resources has raised questions about internal oversight and conflict-of-interest protocols.
What Comes Next for Astronomer
As the investigation continues, Astronomer has not confirmed whether permanent leadership changes will follow. The board is also expected to review internal policies surrounding workplace relationships at the executive level.
The firm's ability to handle the public scrutiny and demonstrate accountability will likely shape its reputation in the months ahead. For now, Astronomer finds itself at the centre of a rare convergence between a viral pop culture moment and a corporate leadership crisis.
