“The astronomer is committed to the values and culture that has directed us since our establishment,” the company has written on LinkedIn. “Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability, and recently, that standard has not been met. Andy Biren has resigned, and the board of directors has accepted. The board will start a search for our next Chief Executive as the Cofounder and Chief Product Officer continues to work as Pete Dazy Interim CEO.”
This incident and its results have placed astronomers in an incredible media spotlight. Company, known for its astro platform Apache airflowIts product and customer work is unaffected.
“While awareness about our company may have changed overnight, our products and our work for our customers have not done. We continue to do what we do best: helping our customers with their most difficult data and AI problems,” the company said.
Coldplay moment
The story began on Wednesday night at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, Massachusetts. During a coldplay concert, on which cam of Bayran and Cabot site appeared. As soon as the camera slammed them, the pair was seen hugging. Byron quickly pulled out of the frame and the cabot covered her face with her hands.
Coldplay chief singer Chris Martin notices the pair on screen, commenting to the mob, “Either they have an affair or are very shy.” That single line burnt the match.
The clip spread rapidly on social media. Within hours, online users identified the pair through their professional profiles. The clip did not just gossip – it brought with its results.
Till Thursday, both Bayran and Cabot were placed on administrative leave. The astronomer responded rapidly, reiterating a statement reiterating his commitment to accountability: “The board of directors has initiated a formal inquiry into the matter, and we will have additional details to share very soon.”
Speculation and silence
Since the incident, neither Bayaran nor Cabot has released any public remarks. Public interest is carried forward that both play a senior role and are known to marry publicly. Bayran’s wife is marketing professional Megan Kerigan, while Cabot is married to private rum CEO Andrew Cabot.
A company spokesperson confirmed that only two persons involved in it were employees of astronomers. However, when specifically asked about the cabinet job status, the spokesperson refused to comment. So far, she remains on leave, and no decision has been taken.
The astronomer clarified that online rumors wrongly identified the woman in the video as the vice -president of the human resource Elisa Stodard. The woman shown was actually a Christin cabot.
Leadership vacuum and online response
Bayran was only the CEO of astronomer from July 2023. Cabots joined the company’s HR and workplace culture functions in November 2024, overseeing the company’s HR. Both were considered central for the company’s recent restructuring and development.
Since the video went viral, astronomer’s social media has been filled with comments and speculation, including the demand for the resignation of the cabot.
“I wonder whether Christin Cabot will also resign,” a user posted on X (East Twitter). Another wrote, “You have to think that Christin will resign or also end. My heart leaves for Megan Kerigan and his two teenage sons. The fall of this date is devastatingly.”
The board has not publicly commented on whether further action is expected.
Where the company is now standing
Despite the storm, astronomer has made it clear that this course is not changing. In its public communication, the company has focused on removing its work from controversy and doubling its mission in data and AI space.
Pete Djy, which is now the interim CEO, is expected to lead, while the board conducts its executive discovery. No timelines have been provided when a permanent CEO is appointed.
The internal investigation is still going on.
For now, astronomer appears to be set to close the chapter and focus on his product. Does the public and its customers see it in the same way.
(With input from Reuters)
