Privateer Rum’s CEO Andrew Cabot: Leadership, Legacy, and a Coldplay Kiss‑Cam Scandal

Privateer Rum’s  CEO Andrew Cabot: Leadership, Legacy, and a Coldplay Kiss‑Cam Scandal


A Legacy Reborn


Andrew Cabot, CEO and COO of Privateer Rum, is more than a distillery executive, for he is also the eponym of his Revolutionary-epoch privateer namesake, Andrew Cabot (1750–1791), who produced rum and traded sea lanes during the American Revolution. Cabot co-founded the Massachusetts-based distillery in 2011 and has guided it towards becoming one of the most respected craft rum brands in the country, with a unique emphasis on minimal intervention, quality fermentation, pot-still distillation, and maritime aging—all signatures of his maritime‑heritage family.


The Privateer Growth Story


Since its Baltimore origins, Privateer has grown to become an Ipswich distillery with public sampling rooms, tours, and greater capacity. A significant expansion in 2015 roughly doubled manufacturing space and included public hospitality areas, allowing distribution outside Massachusetts and New York into new markets like Colorado and California.

The firm has a close partnership between Cabot and Maggie Campbell, who held the positions of Head Distiller and Vice President. Campbell, hired in 2012, prioritized slow fermentation, gentle yeast selection, low-proof barrel-aging, and locally sourced molasses—all aimed at boosting Privateer's unique style and quality. With Cabot at the helm and Campbell's artistry, Privateer gained a reputation for being bold, clean, and aromatic rums that received critical acclaim in the spirits world.


The Cabot Marriage & The Scandal That's Brewing


That leadership myth was torn apart when July 18–19, 2025, news broke: Kristin Cabot, Boston-based technology company Astronomer's Chief People Officer, was caught on a trending TikTok kiss-cam video kissing her boss, Andy Byron, CEO, at a Coldplay show outside Boston. The surprise? Kristin had been married to Andrew Cabot of Privateer Rum. The viral scandal prompted an internal review at Astronomer, resulted in Byron's dismissal and assignment to leave, and shed light on Privateer's CEO indirectly through his private life.


Several outlets are reporting that Andrew Cabot and Kristin co-owned a $2.2 million residence in Rye, New Hampshire, with two children, having bought it in February of 2025. Kristin was also on Privateer's advisory board since 2020 (a LinkedIn entry now removed). Andrew Cabot's business and personal reputation has faced increased scrutiny in the wake of fallout .


Internal Fallout at Astronomer


Astronomer released a statement confirming its adherence to "values and culture," and announced a formal Board‑led investigation into the scandal. Kristin Cabot and Andy Byron were both put on leave. Press coverage reports Byron is in talks to leave and an interim CEO has been appointed as the company struggles with the reputational crisis .


What It Means for Privateer Rum


Although Privateer has not made a public announcement, the scandal reaches the CEO by proxy. Public concern and attention can impact opinions about Privateer Rum in general, possibly pushing Andrew Cabot to answer personal questions publicly or internally.


But the company itself remains distinct from Astronomer. The business still operates within a close-knit world of distillers who prize transparency and quality. Cabot's management is based on carrying on Privateer's path: more innovation, entry into new markets, and continued high‑craft orientation.


Privateer's Path Forward


As Privateer looks ahead, the company has several challenges and opportunities:


Reaffirming business identity: Ongoing focus on rum craftsmanship, distillery events, and distribution channels.


Leadership resilience: Andrew Cabot will have to reassert business leadership in the face of personal upheaval.


Brand integrity: Upholding Privateer's image as an artisanal, ethical maker even during outside controversy.


Looking Ahead


The coming weeks will be pivotal. Will Privateer make a statement? Will partners or shareholders react? How will Andrew Cabot handle boardroom and public examination? The company can opt for private resolution, or—depending on public outcry—a wider response can follow.

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