Earlier than this month, Kristin Cabot was identified primarily inside HR circles. As chief individuals officer at Astronomer, a fast-growing data-orchestration start-up, her job not often drew public discover. That modified when a kiss-cam at a Coldplay live performance flashed a quick, intimate hug between Cabot and Astronomer CEO Andy Byron. The clip went viral, the board positioned each executives on depart, and web sleuths went in search of back-story. What they discovered added surprising layers: Cabot is married to Andrew Cabot, chief govt of Privateer Rum and direct descendant of an eighteenth-century New England privateer-turned-distiller. The couple additionally purchased a $2.2-million dwelling within the seaside city of Rye, New Hampshire, simply 5 months earlier than the live performance. A workplace-conduct probe now runs in parallel with a burst of curiosity about craft spirits, outdated maritime fortunes, and fashionable start-up tradition.
Who’s Kristin Cabot inside Astronomer
Cabot joined Astronomer in 2023 as chief individuals officer after a decade in HR management at two Boston software program companies. Her remit covers recruiting, pay fairness, and office coverage. These insurance policies are actually underneath the microscope as a result of the Coldplay video raised questions on disclosure guidelines for relationships between prime executives. Astronomer’s board has put in co-founder Pete DeJoy as appearing chief whereas an out of doors regulation agency interviews workers.
A short have a look at Privateer Rum and a 240-year household story
Privateer Rum operates from a warehouse in Ipswich, Massachusetts, however trades closely on historical past. The fashionable label cites Andrew Cabot (1750-1791)—service provider, wartime privateer, and rum producer—as its patriarch. Right now’s distillery ferments molasses in lengthy, cool cycles, ages barrels in New England’s damp local weather, and sells bottles that may prime US$100 on restricted launch. Kristin Cabot has sat on the distillery’s advisory board since 2020, a job the corporate highlights in investor decks that target model authenticity.
The $2.2-million Rye, New Hampshire dwelling
In February 2025, the Cabots closed on a four-bedroom home overlooking the Atlantic. Native registry deeds put the value at $2.2 million—about 45 % above Rye’s median itemizing that month. The city of 6,000 gives low property-tax charges and an hour-long commute to Boston’s venture-capital hall, making it widespread with tech executives who need coastal privateness. Actual property brokers say properties above the $2 million mark make up fewer than 5 per cent of annual gross sales within the space, underscoring the acquisition’s scale.
From live performance clip to company investigation
Throughout Coldplay’s July present at Gillette Stadium, the jumbotron caught Byron together with his arms round Cabot. Singer Chris Martin joked on stage, and the video raced throughout social feeds. Inside forty-eight hours Astronomer’s board employed exterior counsel, citing “potential breach of inner relationship-disclosure coverage.” Each executives had been placed on paid depart pending findings.
Why the fallout issues past firm gossip
The scandal lands at a delicate second for each organisations. Astronomer closed a $93 million Collection D in Might 2025 after posting 150 % year-over-year income development. Traders usually vet management stability earlier than wiring funds. On the identical time, Privateer Rum is increasing distribution to 22 states and courting new capital for a barrel-warehouse build-out. Any reputational dent to the Cabot title may complicate these talks. Model consultants say craft-spirit consumers prize authenticity, and a story that hyperlinks historic romance with fashionable HR controversy may blur that picture.
