The Coldplay kiss cam just claimed its biggest casualty: Astronomer CEO Andy Byron has officially resigned.
Days after going viral for a cringeworthy moment with Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay concert, Byron stepped down from his role, according to a company statement on Saturday.
The move came less than 24 hours after he was placed on administrative leave pending an internal investigation.
Byron, who is married with children, was seen on the jumbotron with his arm around Cabot during the band’s Boston stop.
When the camera lingered, he ducked, she hid her face, and Chris Martin dropped the now-infamous line:
“Either they’re having an affair or they’re just very shy.”
The internet chose the first option—and ran with it.
In its resignation announcement, Astronomer stated: “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard was not met.” Pete DeJoy, the company’s cofounder and Chief Product Officer, will serve as interim CEO.
Astronomer had just raised $93 million in May from Bain Ventures and Salesforce Ventures. Now, the once low-profile data company is a high-profile scandal magnet.
A concert joke, a viral clip, and a LinkedIn trail later—Byron is out.
What started as a kiss cam moment has turned into a corporate cautionary tale with no signs of fading.
