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

Schaeffler AG announced on June 1, 2026, that Celia Pelaz will become CEO of its 'Defence & New Space' division effective October 1, 2026, taking over management of STech Defence GmbH. The independent subsidiary, founded at the end of 2025, focuses on defence and New Space sectors, which Schaeffler identifies as a key growth field.

Pelaz brings more than 25 years of international experience. She most recently served as Chief Operating Officer at Spire Global, Inc., a provider of satellite data and analytics. Her career includes leadership roles at Airbus Defence & Space and Hensoldt AG, where she was Chief Strategy Officer and later COO. Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, praised her as "one of the most distinguished and experienced executives in the European defence and space industry."

The appointment underscores Schaeffler's ambition to expand beyond its core automotive and industrial business. The company aims to generate ten percent of revenue from new growth areas by 2035, including humanoid robotics, defence, and New Space. STech Defence GmbH, based in Munich, is positioned as a preferred partner to defence and space industries in Germany and Europe, leveraging Schaeffler's manufacturing and product development capabilities.

The move is significant as European defence and space sectors face increasing demand for innovation and sovereignty. Schaeffler's entry into these sectors could challenge established suppliers and provide new solutions for satellite technology and defence systems. Pelaz's experience at companies like Spire Global and Hensoldt positions her to lead this strategic expansion.

STech Defence GmbH's management includes Manfred Homm as CTO and Dr. Christopher Koth as interim CFO. The subsidiary focuses on developing innovative products for defence and space, building on Schaeffler's broad capabilities in product development and industrialization.

This announcement reflects a broader trend of industrial companies diversifying into high-tech sectors. Schaeffler's bet on defence and space could yield significant returns, but also involves risks typical of such ventures. The company's forward-looking statements caution that actual results may differ due to uncertainties.

For Schaeffler, the appointment signals a commitment to transform from a traditional automotive supplier into a motion technology company serving diverse industries. The success of this strategy will depend on execution in a competitive and regulated environment.