Clara Sanchez Portela

Specialising in defence and security policy, Clara supports clients in the defence sector with strategic advice and public affairs services to help them achieve their business objectives.

At Rud Pedersen, she provides technical and policy insights to guide clients through complex regulatory and institutional environments, ensuring their positions are effectively represented to decision-makers. Her work combines stakeholder engagement, strategic communication, and policy analysis to deliver measurable outcomes across the defence portfolio.

Before joining Rud Pedersen, Clara worked as Project Coordinator at a communications agency, managing campaigns for clients across energy, retail, media and construction. She holds a degree in International Relations and Global Communication from Universidad Pontificia Comillas, with academic experience at Sciences Po Paris and the University of Texas at Austin. Clara also serves as Vice President of Communications for YATA Spain.