US tech company Astronomer has placed its CEO on leave after a video of a big-screen embrace at a Coldplay concert sparked rumours of an affair between the CEO and another employee.
The clip, projected on a giant screen at a Boston concert, shows a man and woman embracing before ducking their heads to hide their faces. After the pair attempted to conceal their identities, Coldplay’s lead singer Chris Martin quipped: “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re just very shy.”
Reports later surfaced alleging the pair were executives at Astronomer, with CEO Andy Byron at the centre of speculation. Late on Friday, Astronomer confirmed on X that Mr Byron had been placed on leave.
“Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding,” the statement read. “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability. The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly.”
Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy was appointed interim CEO.
The man in the video is rumoured in multiple reports to be Astronomer CEO Andy Byron, who has been with the company since July 2023. Mr Byron himself has not confirmed his identity in the video. The woman was identified online as Kristin Cabot, the company’s chief people officer, who joined in November 2024. She likewise has not confirmed her identity.
Astronomer’s statement added that Mr Byron had not released a personal statement, and that reports saying otherwise were incorrect. It also said no other employees were in the video.
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