Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
June 01, 2026
Schaeffler Appoints Celia Pelaz as CEO of Defence & New Space
TLDR
- Celia Pelaz's appointment gives Schaeffler a competitive edge in defence and New Space with her 25+ years of industry experience.
- Schaeffler consolidates defence and New Space activities under STech Defence GmbH, led by new CEO Celia Pelaz, to focus on innovative solutions.
- Schaeffler's expansion into defence and New Space aims to enhance security and technological progress, benefiting society through advanced motion technology.
- Schaeffler's new CEO Celia Pelaz previously led strategy at Hensoldt and COO at Spire Global, bringing rare dual expertise in defence and space.
Impact - Why it Matters
This news matters because it signals Schaeffler AG's aggressive push into the defense and New Space markets, which are critical for national security and technological innovation. As a major industrial player, Schaeffler's expansion into these high-growth sectors could drive advancements in motion technology for satellites, defense systems, and space exploration, potentially creating new supply chain opportunities and jobs in Europe. For investors and industry observers, this move highlights a trend of traditional manufacturing companies diversifying into cutting-edge fields, which may reshape competitive dynamics in the aerospace and defense industry.
Summary
In a strategic move to bolster its presence in the defense and space sectors, Schaeffler AG has appointed Celia Pelaz as CEO of its newly established subsidiary, STech Defence GmbH. Pelaz, who brings over 25 years of international experience in the defense and space industry, most recently served as COO of Spire Global, Inc., a leading provider of satellite data and analytics. She will assume her role on October 1, 2026, and will lead the company’s “Defence & New Space” activities, which are of overarching strategic importance to Schaeffler. The subsidiary, headquartered in Munich, was founded at the end of 2025 and will focus on developing innovative solutions for defense and New Space markets. Pelaz will join Manfred Homm as CTO, while Dr. Christopher Koth serves as interim CFO.
STech Defence GmbH aims to become a preferred partner for the defense and space industries in Germany and Europe, leveraging Schaeffler Group’s extensive capabilities in product development, manufacturing, and industrialization. The company will build on Schaeffler’s existing product families to deliver cutting-edge solutions. Celia Pelaz’s career includes significant roles at Airbus Defence & Space and Hensoldt AG, where she held positions in operations, strategy, and business development. Her appointment underscores Schaeffler’s commitment to expanding in defense and New Space as part of its broader strategy to achieve a ten percent share of revenue from new growth areas by 2035, which also includes humanoid robotics. Klaus Rosenfeld, CEO of Schaeffler AG, praised Pelaz as one of the most distinguished executives in the European defense and space industry, highlighting her expertise and leadership strength.
The original press release can be found on NEWMEDIAWIRE, with further details available in the original release. This appointment marks a significant step for Schaeffler as it pivots toward high-growth sectors, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving landscape of defense and space technology.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by NewMediaWire. Read the original source here, Schaeffler Appoints Celia Pelaz as CEO of Defence & New Space
