Schaeffler AG has named Celia Pelaz as the incoming CEO of its 'Defence & New Space' division, effective October 1, 2026. Pelaz, 48, will also lead the management board of STech Defence GmbH, an independent subsidiary founded in late 2025 to focus on defence and New Space opportunities. The appointment underscores Schaeffler's strategic commitment to expanding into new growth fields outside its traditional automotive and industrial core.
Pelaz brings more than 25 years of 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 provider of satellite data and analytics, since January 2025. Prior to that, she held executive roles at Hensoldt AG, including Chief Strategy Officer and later COO, and spent over a decade at Airbus Defence & Space (formerly EADS) in operations, sales, and project management. Her career includes overseeing the carve-out of defence electronics activities that became Hensoldt AG, and she holds degrees in industrial engineering from Spain.
STech Defence GmbH, based in Munich, positions itself as a preferred partner to defence and space industries in Germany and Europe. The company leverages Schaeffler Group's existing capabilities in product development, manufacturing, and industrialization to deliver innovative solutions. Alongside Pelaz, Manfred Homm serves as CTO, while Dr. Christopher Koth is interim CFO.
Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, highlighted the strategic importance of the appointment: 'We are very pleased to appoint Celia Pelaz, one of the most distinguished and experienced executives in the European defence and space industry. With her experience, expertise and leadership strength, she will make an important contribution to expanding Schaeffler Group’s defence and space business and shaping this important new growth field for the future.'
Schaeffler aims to generate ten percent of revenue from new growth areas by 2035, including humanoid robotics, defence, and New Space. This move reflects a broader industry trend of traditional industrial companies diversifying into defence and space, sectors seeing increased investment amid geopolitical tensions and commercial space expansion. The appointment of Pelaz, with her deep industry connections and experience, positions Schaeffler to compete for contracts in satellite technology, defence systems, and related areas.
The creation of STech Defence GmbH as a separate legal entity also provides strategic flexibility, allowing focused investment and partnerships. For the defence and space industries, Schaeffler's entry adds a capable supplier with strong manufacturing and engineering heritage, potentially strengthening European supply chains. However, the company faces established competitors and must navigate complex regulatory environments.
Pelaz's background, spanning both defence and commercial space, aligns with Schaeffler's dual focus. Her experience at Spire Global, a New Space company, and Hensoldt, a defence electronics firm, bridges both worlds. As she takes the helm, the industry will watch how Schaeffler leverages its Motion Technology expertise to deliver on its ambitious growth targets.
For more information, see the original release on NewMediaWire.
