New Astronomer CEO Addresses Viral Coldplay Kiss Cam Scandal

Startup navigates fallout from predecessor’s public relations misstep

The new interim CEO of Astronomer is confronting the fallout from a scandal that has unexpectedly thrust the data and AI startup into the global spotlight.

Navigating “Unusual and Surreal” Attention

Pete DeJoy, who recently stepped into the leadership role, acknowledged the significant media attention following his predecessor’s public relations blunder. The incident involved former CEO Andy Byron and HR head Kristin Cabot being caught on a kiss cam at a Coldplay concert. Their attempt to avoid the camera quickly became an internet sensation.

DeJoy commented on the situation in a recent LinkedIn post, stating, “The events of the past few days have received a level of media attention that few companies—let alone startups in our small corner of the data and AI world—ever encounter.” He added that the company’s newfound notoriety has been “unusual and surreal for our team.”

Leadership Transition Amidst Controversy

The viral clip led to Byron being placed on leave, with the company’s board initiating a formal investigation. Shortly thereafter, Byron submitted his resignation. DeJoy, who is also a cofounder and chief product officer, has now assumed the interim CEO position while the search for a permanent replacement commences.

Despite the challenging circumstances, DeJoy expressed confidence in the company’s resilience. “At Astronomer we have never shied away from challenges; a near-decade of building this business has tested us time and time again, and each time we’ve emerged stronger,” he wrote.

Incident Sparks Widespread Memes and Reactions

The Coldplay kiss cam moment has resonated widely online, inspiring parodies and memes across various platforms and events. Brands and social media users alike have referenced the incident, turning a corporate embarrassment into a cultural talking point. In fact, a recent study by Sprout Social found that 60% of consumers believe brands should engage with trending cultural moments, even if the topic is sensitive, provided they do so authentically. This underscores the dual-edged sword of viral phenomena for companies.

Anyone with insights into Astronomer’s operations or this story can contact the reporter at sjackson@businessinsider.com from a non-work email.