Astronomer Names Pete DeJoy CEO After Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal

Pete DeJoy has assumed the role of interim CEO at data tech company Astronomer following the resignation of former CEO Andy Byron, who stepped down after a viral kiss cam incident at a Coldplay concert showed him embracing the company's Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot. The incident, which attracted over 124 million views on TikTok alone, sparked widespread media attention and public scrutiny, complicated by remarks from Coldplay's lead singer Chris Martin that amplified the moment. DeJoy acknowledged the unusual and intense spotlight on the company in his first public statement, emphasizing the resilience of Astronomer through previous challenges and committing to strong leadership focused on employee care and customer delivery. While neither Byron nor Cabot have publicly addressed the controversy, Astronomer took swift action by investigating the incident and reaffirming the company's standards on conduct and accountability. Despite the scandal, DeJoy highlighted the company's growth and mission, aiming to move past the viral moment and stabilize the startup's reputation in the data and AI industry. The episode has also inspired numerous social media recreations, reflecting its broad cultural impact beyond the corporate sphere.