Celia Pelaz has served as Spire’s Chief Operating Officer since January 2025. With over 20 years of experience in the defense and security industry, Ms. Pelaz has built her career on developing and implementing strategies that drive growth, technological innovation and operational excellence. She joined Spire from HENSOLDT AG, where she served as Chief Operating Officer from April to August 2024, Chief Strategy Officer from July 2021 to March 2024 and Head of Spectrum Dominance & Airborne Solutions Division from April 2018 to August 2022. She was also a member of the Management Board from July 2021 to August 2024. HENSOLDT AG was carved out of Airbus Group in 2017 and focuses on sensor technologies for defense and security missions. During her time at HENSOLDT AG, Ms. Pelaz led transformative initiatives, including major acquisitions, global market expansion, and the development of key defense technologies. She holds a degree in Industrial Technical Engineering from Cámarabilbao University Business School.