Schaeffler Appoints Celia Pelaz as CEO of Defence & New Space Subsidiary

Schaeffler AG has named Celia Pelaz as Chief Executive Officer of its new subsidiary STech Defence GmbH, effective October 1, 2026, as the motion technology company accelerates its expansion into the defence and New Space sectors. Pelaz, 48, brings more than 25 years of experience in the defence and space industry, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Spire Global, Inc., a leading satellite data and analytics provider.

The appointment underscores Schaeffler’s strategic commitment to ‘Defence & New Space’ as a key growth field. STech Defence GmbH, founded at the end of 2025 as an independent legal entity based in Munich, will focus on developing innovative solutions and products for the defence and space industries, leveraging Schaeffler’s established capabilities in product development, manufacturing, and industrialization.

‘We are very pleased to appoint Celia Pelaz, one of the most distinguished and experienced executives in the European defence and space industry,’ said Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, in a press release. ‘With her experience, expertise and leadership strength, she will make an important contribution to expanding Schaeffler Group’s defence and space business.’

Pelaz began her career in 2001 at EADS, the European aerospace and defence group, and later held various roles at Airbus Defence & Space, including positions in operations, sales, and project management. She subsequently led the carve-out of defence electronics activities that became Hensoldt AG, where she served as Chief Strategy Officer and later as COO. Her background also includes a role as Head of International Development, Strategy & Corporate Functions at Hensoldt.

STech Defence GmbH sees itself as a preferred partner to the defence and space industries in Germany and Europe. The subsidiary will be led by Pelaz as CEO, alongside Manfred Homm as CTO and Dr. Christopher Koth as interim CFO. The company aims to build on Schaeffler’s product families to deliver tailored solutions for these sectors.

Schaeffler AG has set a target of achieving ten percent of revenue from new growth areas outside its core business by 2035, which includes defence, New Space, and humanoid robotics. The appointment of Pelaz signals a significant step toward that goal, as the company seeks to capitalize on increasing demand for advanced technologies in defence and space.

The move comes as European nations ramp up defence spending and space exploration efforts, creating opportunities for suppliers like Schaeffler. With Pelaz’s extensive network and expertise, STech Defence GmbH is well-positioned to become a key player in these rapidly evolving markets.

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