Astronomer Sends Andy Byron On Leave, Appoints Interim CEO After Viral Coldplay Video; Launches Probe

New York: US tech company Astronomer has sent its Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Andy Byron, on leave. Co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy will be serving as the interim CEO, the company announced on Saturday, as Byron landed in controversy after an intimate video of him with HR head Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay concert went viral. The company also said that they would share further details in the coming days.

However Astronomer's website still lists Andy Byron as its Chief Executive Officer and Kristin Cabot as its Chief People's Officer.

Astronomer Launches Probe

"Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. 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," the company said in a separate post.

The company also clarified the confusion regarding Alyssa Stoddard, Vice President of Human Resources, who was wrongly identified as the “super embarrassed” girl in the viral video. The company stated that she was not present at the event, and that no other employees appeared in the video either.

"Alyssa Stoddard was not at the event and no other employees were in the video. Andy Byron has not put out any statement, reports saying otherwise are all incorrect," the statement read.

Andy Byron And Kristin Cadot Spotted At Coldplay

Byron and Cadot were attending the July 16 Coldplay concert. In the middle of the show, Chris Martin introduced a Kiss Cam where the camera panned to Byron with his arms cuddling Cabot. As soon as they saw each other on the big screen, Byron abruptly tried to hide himself and dropped on the ground while Cadot was seen covering her face.