Kristin Cabot, the Human Resources chief at Astronomer, has reportedly resigned from the tech firm following a viral moment captured during a Coldplay concert, where she was seen sharing a kiss with former CEO Andy Byron. Her resignation comes just days after Byron stepped down from his position on July 19, according to a source cited by TMZ.
Confirmation of Resignation
A company source confirmed to TMZ, “Kristin Cabot is no longer with Astronomer — she’s resigned.” This decision follows a series of events that unfolded after their on-screen appearance at the concert.
The Viral Moment and Immediate Fallout
During the concert, Cabot and Byron were shown on the kiss cam, leading to a quick disengagement. Frontman Chris Martin humorously remarked, “Either they’re having an affair, or they’re very shy.” It’s worth noting that Byron is married to Megan Kerrigan, while Cabot is married to Andrew Cabot, a member of one of Boston’s wealthiest families.
In the aftermath, both Cabot and Byron were placed on administrative leave as the company initiated an internal investigation. Byron has since resigned, with reports indicating he was negotiating an exit package, delaying the company’s official statement.
Details on Byron’s Potential Exit Package
Although the specifics of Byron’s exit package remain unclear, it’s been reported that his annual salary ranged from $469,000 to $690,000. The average compensation for association CEOs is typically over 10 months of base pay, with a median of 8.2 months.
Assuming a median annual salary of $500,000, Byron’s monthly base pay would be approximately $41,666, potentially leading to a severance package of around $416,666. This amount may also include payment for unused sick and vacation days, further increasing the total.
Company Response and Future Focus
Byron was appointed CEO of Astronomer in 2023. As for Cabot’s status, there has been no update regarding possible termination. Interim CEO Pete DeJoy has emphasized that the team is committed to moving forward with their objectives, despite the incident bringing unprecedented attention to the company. He described the entire experience for many employees as “surreal,” noting that the kiss cam event has indeed made Astronomer a household name.
