Andy Byron, wife Megan Kerrigan’s divorce could cost Astronomer CEO a whopping amount
In a twist that has captivated social media and sparked heated discussions, Andy Byron, the CEO of the Cincinnati-based tech firm Astronomer, finds himself at the center of a personal and professional storm. A viral video from a Coldplay concert at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, on July 16, 2025, captured Byron in what appeared to be an intimate embrace with Kristin Cabot, his company’s Chief People Officer. The moment, broadcast on the stadium’s kiss cam, quickly escalated into a public scandal, with Coldplay frontman Chris Martin’s lighthearted comment—“Oh, look at these two. Either they’re having an affair, or they’re very shy”—adding fuel to the fire. The fallout has not only raised questions about workplace ethics but also cast a spotlight on Byron’s marriage to Megan Kerrigan, with speculation rife that a divorce could cost the tech executive a significant portion of his estimated $20–70 million net worth.
Byron, who has led Astronomer since July 2023, oversees a company valued at over $1.3 billion, known for its Astro DataOps platform that simplifies data orchestration for enterprises. His professional success has been notable, with a career that includes leadership roles at Cybereason, Fuze, and BMC Software. However, the kiss cam incident has shifted focus to his personal life. The video, which shows Byron and Cabot abruptly pulling away upon realizing they were on camera, went viral on platforms like TikTok and X, amassing millions of views. Social media users quickly identified the pair, leading to a flood of comments directed at Byron’s wife, Megan Kerrigan, a respected educator in Massachusetts.
Megan Kerrigan, 50, serves as the Associate Director of Lower School and Hope Graham Program Admissions at Bancroft School in Worcester, Massachusetts. Known for her work in inclusive education, she has maintained a low profile, focusing on her career and family. She and Byron, who reside in New York, share two children. Following the viral video, Kerrigan’s Facebook page, which once featured family photos, was inundated with comments—some supportive, others critical of her husband’s actions. Reports indicate that Kerrigan removed “Byron” from her social media profiles before deactivating her accounts entirely, a move interpreted by many as a sign of marital discord. While neither Kerrigan nor Byron has issued a public statement, her actions have fueled speculation about an impending divorce.
The financial implications of a potential divorce are significant. Estimates of Byron’s net worth vary, with figures ranging from $20 million to $70 million, largely tied to his equity in Astronomer and previous ventures. A report by The Daily Mail suggested that a divorce settlement could cost Byron upwards of $30 million, potentially half his wealth, depending on marital agreements and legal proceedings. Social media posts on X have echoed this sentiment, with one user estimating a settlement could reach $18 million or more, reflecting the high stakes involved. The public nature of the scandal, dubbed “Coldplaygate,” has only amplified discussions about the financial and personal toll on both parties.
Astronomer has responded cautiously, with the company’s board initiating an investigation into the incident. A statement posted on X and LinkedIn on July 18 emphasized the company’s commitment to its values and leadership accountability, noting that both Byron and Cabot have been placed on leave. Cabot, who joined Astronomer in November 2024, has a robust background in HR, having held leadership roles at Proofpoint and Neo4j. Her involvement in the scandal has raised questions about workplace boundaries, with some X users criticizing the optics of a CEO and Chief People Officer appearing in such a context.
Public reaction has been polarized. Many have rallied behind Kerrigan, praising her dignified response and expressing sympathy for the public humiliation she has endured. Comments on X have included calls for her to secure a substantial settlement, with one user stating, “Go Megan. Get that divorce lawyer and get the money.” Others have mocked Byron, with humorous jabs about his taste in music or the irony of being caught with the head of HR. Meanwhile, a fabricated apology attributed to Byron circulated online, which Astronomer quickly debunked.
As the scandal continues to unfold, the silence from Byron, Kerrigan, and Cabot keeps the narrative alive. For now, the tech world watches as Astronomer navigates the fallout, and Kerrigan’s next steps remain a focal point of public intrigue. Whether this leads to a costly divorce or reconciliation, the incident underscores the volatile intersection of personal actions and public scrutiny in the digital age.
