Andy Byron, former CEO of Astronomer, was caught on the kiss cam at a Coldplay concert in Boston, seen cozying up to the company’s HR head, Kristin Cabot. The incident has sparked significant media attention and controversy.
Viral Moment and Immediate Aftermath
As the two were shown on screen, they quickly disengaged, prompting Coldplay frontman Chris Martin to comment, “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re very shy.” Notably, Byron is married to Megan Kerrigan, while Cabot is married to Andrew Cabot, a member of one of Boston’s wealthiest families.
Following the public display, Astronomer placed both Byron and Cabot on administrative leave and initiated an investigation. Byron has since resigned as CEO, with reports indicating he was negotiating an exit package, which delayed the company’s official statement.
Potential Exit Package Details
While the specifics of Byron’s exit package remain unclear, it is reported that his salary ranged between $469,000 and $690,000 annually. According to the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), average compensation for association CEOs typically amounts to over 10 months of base pay, with a median of 8.2 months.
Assuming a median yearly salary of $500,000, Byron’s monthly base pay would be approximately $41,666, potentially leading to a severance package of around $416,666. Additionally, severance packages often include payment for unused sick and vacation days, further increasing the total.
Company Response and Future Focus
Byron was made CEO of Astronomer in 2023. As for Cabot, there has yet to be an update on whether she will face termination. However, interim CEO Pete DeJoy has stated that the team is committed to moving forward with their goals, despite the incident drawing unprecedented attention to the company. He acknowledged that the kiss cam event has made Astronomer a household name and described the experience for many employees as “surreal.”
