Schaeffler AG has announced the appointment of Celia Pelaz as CEO of its 'Defence & New Space' division, effective October 1, 2026. Pelaz will also assume responsibility for the management board of STech Defence GmbH, an independent subsidiary founded in late 2025 to focus on defence and New Space sectors. This move underscores Schaeffler's strategic push into new growth areas, aiming for these segments to contribute significantly to its long-term revenue targets.
Pelaz brings over 25 years of international experience in the defence and space industry. She most recently served as Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Management Board at Spire Global, Inc., a leading provider of satellite data and analytics, since January 2025. Prior to that, she held key roles at Airbus Defence & Space and Hensoldt AG, including Chief Strategy Officer and later COO at Hensoldt. Her career began at EADS in 2001, with positions spanning operations, sales, and project management.
STech Defence GmbH, based in Munich, positions itself as a preferred partner to defence and space industries in Germany and Europe. Building on Schaeffler's broad capabilities in product development, manufacturing, and industrialization, the subsidiary focuses on delivering innovative solutions and products tailored to these sectors. Alongside Pelaz, Manfred Homm serves as CTO, and Dr. Christopher Koth holds the interim CFO role.
Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, expressed confidence in Pelaz's appointment, stating: 'We are very pleased to appoint Celia Pelaz, one of the most distinguished and experienced executives in the European defence and space industry, for Schaeffler. With her experience, expertise and leadership strength, she will make an important contribution as an internationally experienced expert to expanding Schaeffler Group’s defence and space business and shaping this important new growth field for the future.'
Schaeffler aims to achieve a ten percent share of revenue in new growth areas outside its core business by 2035, including humanoid robotics, defence, and New Space. The establishment of STech Defence GmbH and the appointment of a seasoned leader like Pelaz signal the company's commitment to these high-potential markets. The defence and New Space sectors are experiencing increased investment and innovation globally, driven by geopolitical tensions and commercial space opportunities. Schaeffler's entry into these fields could provide critical components and systems, leveraging its expertise in motion technology.
Pelaz's background in leading transformation and carve-out activities at Hensoldt and Airbus Defence & Space positions her well to drive STech Defence's growth. Her experience in strategy, business development, and operations will be instrumental in navigating the complex regulatory and technical landscape of defence and space. The appointment also highlights Schaeffler's focus on attracting top talent to spearhead its diversification efforts.
The move is part of a broader trend where traditional industrial companies are expanding into defence and space to capitalize on rising demand. For readers and industry observers, this development illustrates how established manufacturing firms are adapting to new market realities. The success of STech Defence GmbH could set a precedent for similar initiatives across Europe, potentially strengthening the continent's defence and space supply chains.
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