Sopra Steria appoints Laura Chaubard to lead Defence, Security and Space vertical
Sopra Steria appoints Laura Chaubard to lead its Defence, Security and Space vertical from September 1, 2026, joining the Group Executive Committee. The vertical contributed 13% to Group revenue in 2025 and focuses on critical systems for armed forces and governments. Recent acquisitions of Starion and Nexova bolster its capabilities in space and cybersecurity.

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Sopra Steria has appointed Laura Chaubard to lead its Defence, Security and Space vertical, effective September 1, 2026, as the Group accelerates its sovereignty agenda amid rising European defence spending. Chaubard, a graduate of École Polytechnique and a General Engineer of Armament, will join the Group Executive Committee. The appointment reinforces Sopra Steria's ambition to be a leading European partner in critical systems at a time when technological sovereignty is becoming a major strategic issue.
The Defence, Security and Space vertical accounted for 13% of the Group's revenue in 2025. It brings together Sopra Steria's most strategic activities in service of the armed forces, governments, and major critical infrastructure. The vertical designs and integrates critical systems, including command, intelligence, cybersecurity, sovereign data processing, ground segments, and space applications.
Strategic Context and Acquisitions
Europe is increasing its spending on defence, security, and access to space at a rate not seen in thirty years, asserting its ambition for strategic autonomy. The choice of players that will design and maintain critical systems—and their degree of independence from non-European players—is becoming a central question for European strategy.
Sopra Steria's vertical draws on proven strengths and strategic acquisitions. CS Group, a wholly owned subsidiary, is a recognised integrator of critical defence and security systems. In May 2026, the Group completed the acquisition of Starion and Nexova, which strengthen its sovereign, secure capabilities in space and cybersecurity.
Key Vertical Metrics
| Metric | Detail |
|---|---|
| Revenue Contribution (2025) | 13% of Group revenue |
| Key Activities | Command, intelligence, cybersecurity, sovereign data processing, ground segments, space applications |
| Recent Acquisitions | Starion, Nexova (May 2026) |
| Subsidiary | CS Group |
Rajesh Krishnamurthy, CEO of Sopra Steria, said: "Ambitions are judged by the resources you put behind them." The Group aims to make defence, security, and space one of the engines of its growth in the years ahead.
How will the integration of Starion and Nexova specifically enhance Sopra Steria's competitive edge in the European space and cybersecurity markets?
What are the projected revenue growth targets for the Defence, Security and Space vertical over the next five years?
How will Sopra Steria navigate potential geopolitical dependencies on non-European technology suppliers while pursuing technological sovereignty?






























