Schaeffler appoints Celia Pelaz as CEO of Defence & New Space unit
Celia Pelaz will become CEO of Schaeffler's newly created 'Defence & New Space' business unit on October 1, 2026.
October 1, 2026
10% by 2035
25+
What Happened
Celia Pelaz (48) will take over as CEO of Schaeffler's 'Defence & New Space' segment and managing director of its subsidiary STech Defence GmbH on October 1, 2026. Pelaz brings over 25 years of international experience in the defence and aerospace industry, most recently as COO at Spire Global. The STech Defence GmbH, founded in late 2025, focuses on defence and new space solutions.
Pelaz started her career at EADS in 2001 and held various leadership roles at Airbus Defence & Space, including leading the carve-out of defence electronics that became Hensoldt AG. She later served as Chief Strategy Officer and COO at Hensoldt. Schaeffler CEO Klaus Rosenfeld said her expertise will help build the company's defence and space business.
“We are very pleased that with Celia Pelaz we have gained one of the most distinguished and experienced managers in the European defence and aerospace industry for Schaeffler. With her experience, competence, and leadership, she will make an important contribution to building and expanding the defence and space business of the Schaeffler Group and shaping this important new growth field for the fut”
10%by 2035
Schaeffler aims to achieve 10% of revenue from new growth areas including humanoid robotics, defence, and new space by 2035.
Why this matters
Schaeffler, traditionally an automotive supplier, is expanding into defence and space technologies, aiming to generate 10% of revenue from new growth fields by 2035.
Terms in This Story
- New Space
- Space-related industries characterized by private innovation and commercial approaches, such as satellite data and launch services.
- STech Defence GmbH
- A wholly owned subsidiary of Schaeffler AG, focused on defence and new space solutions.
Summarised from the linked release; details can be imperfect — always verify against the original source.