Astronomer announces new interim CEO Pete DeJoy; removes Andy Byron following 'internal investigation' of Coldplay cheating scandal

Astronomer has appointed Pete DeJoy as its new interim CEO, officially parting ways with Andy Byron following an internal review connected to the Coldplay concert incident.

Byron, who was the CEO before, was removed after a video from a Coldplay concert in Massachusetts went viral. In the video, he was seen hugging a woman in the crowd, which caught the eye of Chris Martin, the band's lead singer.

Martin made a joke while on stage, saying they were "having an affair." This sparked more talk online. As videos spread and people asked more, Astronomer first put Byron on a short break.

After more checks and talks inside the firm, they chose to let him go for good.
 

Cofounder and Chief Product Officer Pete DeJoy is currently serving as interim CEO given Andy Byron has been placed on leave.

We will share more details as appropriate in the coming days. pic.twitter.com/VfgWPnfycl

— Astronomer (@astronomerio) July 19, 2025

Pete DeJoy steps in as interim CEO as Astronomer begins internal review and reinforces leadership values

On July 18, the news was out on LinkedIn: Pete DeJoy, who helped start the firm and was the perfect man for its goods, is now the interim CEO at Astronomer. This major leadership change comes as the company begins a detailed review of Andy Byron. The company said via LinkedIn on July 18:

"Astronomer is committed to the values and culture that have guided us since our founding. Our leaders are expected to set the standard in both conduct and accountability."

Astronomer clears up false claims about viral video and Andy Byron's response

Astronomer made clear what was true about the well-known video with Andy Byron. They said, aside from Byron and the woman he was with, no other team member was at the event shown in the clip.

Moreover, Astronomer spoke about the wrong information going around about Byron's apology. They said he hasn't talked in public or put out a statement about the event. Any words hinting he did, the firm stated, are fully wrong and not true.