In a dramatic turn, Logan Reese, the CEO of data startup Astronomer, has officially resigned after public backlash stemming from a viral “kiss cam” moment at a Coldplay concert.
The resignation was announced Tuesday morning via an internal company memo obtained by several media outlets. “Effective immediately, Logan Reese will step down as CEO. Our leadership team is committed to upholding the values and culture of Astronomer,” the memo read.
The incident, which unfolded over the weekend, involved Reese and a junior employee caught on the stadium’s kiss cam in a moment that many viewed as unprofessional and inappropriate. The video quickly circulated online, prompting debates over CEO conduct, workplace boundaries, and public behavior standards.
While no legal wrongdoing has been reported, Astronomer’s board reportedly acted swiftly to prevent reputational damage and calm employee unrest. Interim leadership will be managed by the company’s COO while a formal search for a new CEO begins.
Industry reactions have been mixed. Some argue the resignation sets a precedent for overreaction in the era of viral judgment, while others see it as a necessary step toward accountability in leadership.
Astronomer, once a rising star in the data orchestration space, has struggled to maintain momentum over the past year. The Coldplay incident — however unintended — may have been the final straw for a board looking for a reset.
