With over 150 years of experience, and millions of products and solutions used worldwide, dormakaba is a leading specialist for products and services for doors, secure access to buildings, cruise ships and rooms. This includes locking systems, fully networked electronic access solutions, physical access and automatic door systems, door hinges, fittings, door closers and door stops, time recording, hotel locking systems and high-security locks.

Today we meet Sven Hackbarth, Key Account Manager for Marine Projects, at dormakaba.

So Sven, tell me about about your role with the company…

Well, door equipment can be very complex, as there are many requirements in terms of design, function, ADA, access authorization, fire protection, escape route, touchfree, and corrosion. A ship is additionally in motion compared to a building. I would like to be the reliable and competent contact/partner for the industry in terms of smart door solutions.

What has been your favourite project to work on?

It has to be the market introduction of our automatic sliding door, sea water resistant version. This was our first big step to get on cruise ships with our automatic sliding doors. Therefore, we need to change many components compared to our standard: All of our sheet metal parts are made of V4A, motors are IP 66 rated, a seal tailored to customer needs, special accessories etc.

Ah yes, rigorous IMO! What’s one piece of advice you would offer someone new to the industry?

Be patient and join CSI+.

I joined CSI+ in April 2022. Therefore, I am still happy to take advice.

We love it when members learn from each other and collaborate!

What do you like about CSI+ or What are you looking to get out of your membership?

It is important for me to gain access to the market, as dormakaba is very well known and successful in building construction. Many of our products have enormous advantages in terms of design, comfort, quality, etc. – but these advantages are not so well known in shipbuilding. The cruise industry seems to be a tight-knit community that is not so easy to get into. I think this is where the strength of CSI+ lies – bringing people together to achieve a better result for the industry.

So glad to hear it, Sven! Who or what inspires you in your career?

Even if it sounds funny, it’s a person from the sports world, namely Rafael Nadal. Of course, there are many very good tennis players in the world, but I particularly like his unconditional will to win, his focus, fairness and social commitment even in case of bad times, like injuries.

Love that! Let’s get to know you better…

Where do you live? Where do you spend most of your time?

I live in Schwelm (North Rhine-Westphalia) in Germany. That is about half an hour away from Cologne, Düsseldorf or Dortmund.

What’s your favourite way to spend a day off?

Definitely spending time with my family e.g. bike tours, playing tennis, cooking together!

If you could relive one moment in your life, which would it be?

Since we have 2 children, it would be 2 moments!

Best film you’ve seen or best concert you’ve ever been to?

Best film has to be ‘The Rock’ with Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery! I hope that when I have grey hair I look as cool as Sean Connery!

Which famous person in history would you want to spend the day with?

Steve Jobs! Definitely.

That was an easy one! What about a 3 course meal. What are you having for starters, main and dessert? – and a drink!

I love to try new dishes…. But if I have to commit myself, here and now: A delicious salad, good fish, ice cream, and a good white wine.

Yummy! Thank you, Sven, for an insight in to your role and life!

To see more of dormakaba, visit their website, or follow them on LinkedIn!