Astronomer CEO, CPO Resign After Viral Kiss Cam; Gwyneth Paltrow Joins as Spokesperson

At a Coldplay concert in July 2025, Astronomer CEO Andy Byron and Chief People Officer Kristin Cabot were caught sharing a hug on the 'kiss cam,' sparking rumors and a viral scandal that led to both their resignations. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin, Paltrow's ex-husband, made a cheeky comment about the moment, intensifying public interest. In response, Astronomer hired Gwyneth Paltrow as a temporary spokesperson in a clever PR move to address public questions and shift focus back to the company's strengths, including its leadership in Apache Airflow and an upcoming conference. Paltrow's lighthearted video helped transform the controversy into marketing momentum, garnering renewed attention for Astronomer's AI data workflow automation services. Interim CEO Pete DeJoy described the attention as surreal but reaffirmed the company's commitment to high standards and customer focus. The incident highlighted how Astronomer leveraged transparency and celebrity involvement to manage a crisis and maintain its public image.