Laura Chaubard appointed to lead Sopra Steria's Defence, Security and Space business

Sopra Steria announced the appointment of Laura Chaubard as the head of its Defence, Security and Space business unit, effective September 1, 2026. She will join the company's executive board.

This business unit, which accounted for 13% of the group's 2025 revenue, focuses on strategically vital activities for armed forces, governments, and critical infrastructure. The appointment aims to bolster Sopra Steria's objective of being a leading European partner for critical systems, particularly as technological sovereignty becomes a key strategic concern.

The move comes as European nations are increasing defense, security, and space expenditures at a significant rate, seeking greater strategic autonomy. The selection of providers for critical systems and their independence from non-European entities are becoming central to European strategy.

The Defence, Security and Space division at Sopra Steria designs and integrates critical systems for military, security, space, and sensitive infrastructure sectors. The company has strengthened its capabilities through acquisitions, including its subsidiary CSGroup and recent additions like Starion and Nexova, enhancing its sovereign space and cybersecurity expertise. Sopra Steria anticipates this sector will be a growth driver in the coming years.

Chaubard, a graduate of École Polytechnique and former Director General of the institution, brings extensive experience to the role, expected to guide Sopra Steria's expansion in critical technology domains.