In this interview with Katie Rose, Ira Herrmann, Sales Representative in the Trade/Craft Home & Distribution Division at Schneider Electric, tells us how the company is forging a sustainable and inclusive future.
KNXtoday: Tell us about your background and how you came to Schneider Electric as a sales representative in the Trade/Craft Home & Distribution Division.
IH: As a teenager, I was fascinated by technology and automation. I started working at Hagemeyer (now Rexel) in Munich aged 15 and received my KNX certification from my father, Paul Hollendong, a year later. When I was twenty one, I moved into field sales, which was hard work at the beginning, but worth it. This early passion eventually led me to Schneider Electric, where, as a sales representative, I could use my knowledge in a leading energy management and automation company. The company’s focus on innovation and sustainability was particularly attractive to me.
KNXtoday: What does a typical working day look like for you?
IH: My typical working day is very varied. I spend a lot of time talking to customers, understanding their needs and offering tailored solutions. I also work closely with my team to ensure that our projects run smoothly, and I regularly attend training courses to keep up to date with the latest technology. Working with different departments on innovative projects makes my job particularly exciting.
KNXtoday: You took part in the launch of Women in KNX at Light + Building 2024 – tell us how and why you got involved.
IH: Participating in the launch of Women in KNX at Light + Building 2024 was a matter close to my heart. I wanted to help increase the visibility and recognition of women in the KNX industry. It’s a great way to network with other women and work together towards a more inclusive future. The event demonstrated how important it is to support and promote women in technical professions.
KNXtoday: What policies and strategies does Schneider Electric have in place to support inclusion and equality for women?
IH: Schneider Electric is actively committed to promoting inclusion and equality. The company offers flexible working hours, mentoring programmes and special recruitment and carer development initiatives for women. These measures help to create a working environment in which all employees feel comfortable and can develop their full potential.
KNXtoday: What challenges do you think still exist in the industry for women and how do you hope these will be addressed for future generations?
IH: Although there is progress, women in the industry still face challenges such as gender bias and lower representation in leadership positions. Technically, women often have to prove themselves more than men. Men are expected to have technical knowledge, while women have to acquire it and engage intensively with the subject matter. To address these issues, we must continue to raise awareness and promote education programmes that support gender diversity. By taking these measures, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for future generations.
KNXtoday: Schneider Electric was recently recognised by Corporate Knights as the world’s most sustainable company for 2025 for the second time. How is
Schneider Electric helping to create a more sustainable future with KNX?
IH: Schneider Electric is strongly committed to sustainability and uses KNX technology to develop energy-efficient and intelligent building solutions. These solutions help to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. By integrating KNX with renewable energy sources and advanced automation systems, Schneider Electric is helping to create a more sustainable and resilient environment. The best example is the new EUREF Campus in Düsseldorf.
KNXtoday: What exciting developments are you looking forward to in 2025?
IH: In 2025, I’m particularly looking forward to the continued development of smart building technology and the integration of renewable energy solutions. Schneider Electric is working on several innovative projects that will further improve energy efficiency and sustainability. I am also excited about the potential of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and the IoT that could revolutionise our industry.
KNXtoday: Is there anything else you would like to add?
IH: I would like to thank KNXtoday magazine for this opportunity to share my experiences and insights. I hope that my story inspires young people to pursue a career in KNX and technical professions and contribute to their growth and innovation.
KNXtoday: How can people get in touch with you?
IH: I can be reached via LinkedIn. I am always happy to meet new contacts and exchange ideas and opportunities.
LinkedIn: Ira Herrman
Ira Hermann is a sales representative in the Trade/Craft Home & Distribution Division at Schneider Electric.Schneider Electric drives digital transformation by integrating world-leading process and energy technologies to realise the full efficiency and sustainability opportunities.
