[Report by Zhao Jiandong] According to a report by Agence France-Presse, Andy Byron, CEO of the American IT company Astronomer, announced his resignation on the 19th local time. Prior to this, images of him and his female colleague Christine Carbert appearing in close embrace at a concert of the British band Coldplay on social media had sparked controversy.
Astronomy CEO Andy Byron embracing the company’s HR Director Christine Carbert. Source: US media
Agence France-Presse reported that Astronomer, headquartered in New York, issued a statement through LinkedIn stating, “The company leadership is required to set an example in conduct and accountability, but recent standards have not been met.” “After the company initiated an investigation, Andy Byron submitted his resignation.”
According to reports by Newsweek, The New York Post, and other US media outlets, footage captured by cameras at a concert held by the British band Coldplay in the United States on the 16th local time showed Andy Byron embracing Carbert, which was broadcast on giant screens. On-site video showed that when the cameras captured them, they quickly parted ways. This scene has been widely discussed among netizens.
“Oh my, what’s going on? They might be having an affair or too shy,” joked Coldplay lead singer Chris Martin on site.
In the hours following the incident, netizens traced the man involved, Andy Byron, as CEO of Astronomer, and the woman, Christine Carbert, as the company’s HR director, accusing them of an improper workplace romance.
On the 18th, according to Axios News Network in the United States, citing sources familiar with the matter, both individuals were suspended from their positions and are currently undergoing an investigation. Another source mentioned that it took 24 hours after the incident was exposed before the company issued an official statement, partly due to the slow progress in negotiations for Byron’s resignation and related compensation.