Sopra Steria has appointed Laura Chaubard to lead its Defence, Security and Space vertical. This will begin on September 1, 2026. She will also join the Group Executive Committee.
This move comes at a time when Sopra Steria is keen to develop its Defence, Security, and Space vertical. The organization seeks to assist in the development of vital systems for armed forces, governments, and large infrastructure organizations in Europe.
The Defence, Security, and Space vertical generated 13% of the turnover for the company in 2025. This vertical deals with strategic operations including cybersecurity, intelligence, data management for the government, and space-related projects. Laura Chaubard is an alumna of École Polytechnique and is a General Engineer of Armament. She has served as the Director General of École Polytechnique.
Rajesh Krishnamurthy, CEO of Sopra Steria, said: “Ambitions are judged by the resources you put behind them. At the heart of the French State, Laura Chaubard has built defence innovation schemes that are now benchmarks in the field. As Europe looks to determine who will design the critical systems underpinning its defence, security and access to space, Laura Chaubard’s appointment should help us take that step”.
Laura Chaubard Strengthens Sopra Steria’s Defence Strategy
The company stated that the appointment comes as Europe increases investment in defence, security, and space capabilities. The company sees control over critical technologies as a key strategic priority.
The Defence, Security and Space vertical is engaged in developing and integrating systems for defence agencies. Security agencies, space agencies, and critical infrastructure providers. The areas of focus include command systems, cybersecurity solutions, intelligence platforms, and space systems. Moreover, the company has been continuing with building up of its competencies via acquisitions. CS Group, a subsidiary of the company, has the capability of offering services in integration of defence and security systems. In May 2026, the company completed the acquisition of Starion and Nexova.
Laura Chaubard, Director of the Defence, Security and Space vertical of Sopra Steria Group, added: ‘For twenty years, I served defence and innovation within the State. I am joining Sopra Steria with an undiminished conviction: sovereignty cannot be decreed, it must be built – with mastered technologies, committed teams of engineers and industrial partners able to honour their commitments over time. The Sopra Steria group brings these conditions together, and I am delighted to join it and contribute to its development on sovereignty matters.’
Earlier in her career, Chaubard worked with France’s Direction générale de l’armement (DGA). She spent six years developing expertise in big data and artificial intelligence for intelligence services. Later, she led strategic initiatives supporting defence-focused small and medium enterprises.
Moreover, from 2017 until 2019, Chaubard was the advisor to the Minister of the Armed Forces for innovation and digital affairs. Among her accomplishments is the creation. Of the Defence Innovation Agency, Definvest investment fund, as well as the first AI strategy of the ministry. In 2022, Chaubard became the first female president of École Polytechnique. In addition, she received the title of Knight of the Legion of Honour and Officer of the National Order of Merit. Thus, by making the new appointment, the company keeps developing itself in the field of defense technology, cybersecurity, & digital sovereignty.
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Source: PRNewswire
