Pete DeJoy Named Interim CEO of Astronomer After Andy Byron Resigns Amid Kiss Cam Scandal
Pete DeJoy named interim CEO of Astronomer after Andy Byron resigned over a viral Kiss Cam scandal involving HR head Kristin Cabot at a Coldplay concert.
image for illustrative purpose

Astronomer, the data orchestration platform, has appointed co-founder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy as its interim CEO following the resignation of former CEO Andy Byron. The company announced the leadership change on Saturday, July 19, in the wake of a viral Kiss Cam controversy involving Byron.
Byron was captured sharing a romantic moment with Astronomer’s Chief People Officer, Kristin Cabot, during a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium on July 16. The incident, which quickly spread across social media, sparked criticism and internal backlash, prompting Byron to step down.
In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Astronomer confirmed that the Board of Directors had accepted Byron’s resignation and that Pete DeJoy would be stepping into the interim CEO role. The company stated, “We will share more details as appropriate in the coming days.”
Who is Pete DeJoy?
Pete DeJoy is a co-founder of Astronomer and played a key role in launching the company’s initial commercial products. He holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and physics from Bowdoin College in Maine. He began as Vice President of Product in January 2023 and was promoted to Chief Product Officer in February 2025.
According to The Sun, DeJoy was instrumental in the growth and development of Astronomer’s data orchestration platform. In his own words on LinkedIn, he “did whatever it took to bring the first incarnations of our commercial offerings to market and build our business.”
While it remains uncertain if DeJoy will be offered the CEO position permanently, he is currently leading the company through the transition. Known for keeping a low profile, he resides in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, with his wife, maintaining privacy about his personal life.
Kristin Cabot, who was also seen in the controversial Kiss Cam clip, continues to serve as Astronomer’s Chief People Officer.