Astronomer's Andy Byron resignation may come with fat exit package after Coldplay kiss cam drama

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS: Andy Byron, the now-former CEO of data tech firm Astronomer, may have exited the company with a hefty financial cushion following the now-infamous Coldplay concert scandal.

Byron found himself at the center of a social media storm after being caught on the Gillette Stadium kiss cam embracing Kristin Cabot, Astronomer's head of HR, during the band's Boston show earlier this month.

The awkward moment, in which both executives recoiled as the camera zoomed in, sparked immediate speculation about their relationship.

Andy Byron may walk away with six-figure severance

Andy Byron, who is married to Megan Kerrigan, and Cabot, who is married to Andrew Cabot, were both placed on administrative leave as Astronomer launched an internal investigation. Byron officially resigned days later, but only after extended negotiations reportedly tied to his exit package.

While Astronomer has not released the terms of Byron’s departure, compensation data suggests he didn’t leave empty-handed. Reports place his annual salary between $469,000 and $690,000, excluding handsome performance bonuses, per the New York Post.

According to a 2023 report by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE), outgoing CEOs typically receive severance packages equivalent to 8–10 months of base salary. 

Based on Byron’s reported salary range, a median annual base salary of $500,000 would translate to $41,666 per month. This means his severance package likely totaled around $416,666.

That number could rise further depending on unused sick leave, accrued vacation time, or bonus entitlements. Byron had served as CEO since 2023, giving him just enough tenure to possibly negotiate more favorable terms.

Astronomer has so far remained tight-lipped about the severance specifics but confirmed that cofounder Pete DeJoy has stepped in as interim CEO.

While Byron’s exit has been finalized, questions remain about Kristin Cabot’s status at the company. The company has yet to confirm whether she will be terminated, allowed to resign, or quietly return to her role.

Andy Byron's wife Megan Kerrigan could receive multimillion-dollar settlement if she files for divorce

Legal analysts suggest Megan Kerrigan stands to gain a substantial financial settlement if she chooses to end her marriage to former Astronomer CEO Andy Byron.

According to sources cited by the New York Post, Kerrigan could be entitled to as much as 50 percent of Byron’s net worth, which is estimated to fall anywhere between $20 million and $70 million.

Bay State law requires that couples married for more than seven years divide any assets acquired during the marriage, according to Nancy Chemtob, a matrimonial and family law attorney and partner at Chemtob Moss Forman & Beyda.