Astronomer Co-founder Statement
Ry Walker, who helped found Astronomer and served as its early CEO, shared his reaction to the controversy involving Andy Byron and Kristin Cabot. He posted a statement on X (formerly Twitter), addressing the video that showed the two executives appearing close at a recent Coldplay concert.
Walker wrote, “I’ve found Andy to be professional. … Everyone on the team has praised his leadership to me. So I think this is an unfortunate development that comes as a big surprise.”
Limited Connection With Andy Byron
Walker clarified that he had only spoken with Andy Byron once over a call. He stressed that he has not worked with Byron closely. He also confirmed that he has no recent involvement with Astronomer.
Astronomer CEO from 2015 to 2019
Walker led Astronomer as CEO from 2015 to 2019. He left the role when the company started to grow and served on the board until 2022. Walker now works at Tembo, a separate venture.
Byron and Cabot’s Roles at Astronomer
Andy Byron became the CEO of Astronomer in 2023. Kristin Cabot joined the company’s human resources team the following year. Both were seen together in the video that spread widely online, leading to public questions about the nature of their relationship.
In a press release in November 2024, Byron had praised Cabot for her leadership. Cabot also expressed excitement about working with Byron and mentioned the opportunities she saw at the company.
Astronomer Co-founder’s Comment on Viral Coldplay Moment
While Ry Walker denied having any inside information on the incident, he did share a light comment about Coldplay. He said, “I have 704 liked songs in Spotify — none are Coldplay. But I do think Chris Martin is an amazing vocalist.”
He later replied to another social media user, saying he would “definitely” consider seeing Coldplay live in the future.
Astronomer Statement
Two days after the incident, Astronomer released a formal statement. The company said its board had launched an internal investigation. It confirmed that the woman in the video was not VP of Human Resources Alyssa Stoddard, as some online posts had claimed. The statement also said that no other employees were present in the video, a Men’s Journal report said.
“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,” the statement said.
“The Board of Directors has initiated a formal investigation into this matter and we will have additional details to share very shortly,” it added.
Astronomer Clarification
“Alyssa Stoddard was not at the event and no other employees were in the video.”
The company also added that Byron had not released any public statement, dismissing various reports suggesting otherwise.
FAQs
What did Ry Walker say about the Coldplay kiss cam scandal?
He said the situation was unfortunate and a big surprise. He also mentioned having only one conversation with CEO Andy Byron.
Is Ry Walker still involved with Astronomer?
No, he left the board in 2022 and now works at Tembo. He has no current role at Astronomer.
