Our latest Quick Fire Questions personality interview was with Kevin Swann, Managing director of Kentec electronics
What does ‘fire protection’ mean to you?
It is great to work for an industry that protects infrastructure, commercial, historic buildings and homes, but an honour to work in an industry that really does save lives all around the world every day!
What made you want to work in the industry?
When in the semiconductor industry, I worked with a fire detector company on a world leading protocol device, this led me to the fire industry.
If you could change anything in the industry, what would it be?
Legislation/regulation – the industry needs to be taken more seriously, drive standards of installation and products to higher levels and recognition.
Describe a funny thing that happened to you recently?
Being asked by security in an airport lounge why I was looking at their cameras – I was actually looking at the fire detector which was placed right next to the camera!
What three traits define you?
Optimistic, enthusiastic and encouraging
What’s the most important trend you see today?
The move to systems that include self-healing wireless mesh technology, now that complete sets have RED DOT and LPCB approval.
If you didn’t work in the fire industry, what would you be doing?
Semiconductor industry – the variety of industry exposure is amazing.
What’s the most interesting thing about you that we wouldn’t learn from your CV?
My wife and I love and miss Ronnie Scott’s Jazz club and the weekends in London.
I travel a lot and am often away from home, but in fact I’m a real family man.
What is one thing you would make compulsory in the office and one thing you would ban?
Compulsory, do what you commit to or let us know in advance so we can adjust.
Ban Ties and jackets
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Contributing more to the success and long term sustainability of Kentec/Hochiki and our great employees . I’m not stupidly ambitious, I’m not looking to be emperor of the universe or anything like that – but you can always do more – and you should!
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Media contact
Rebecca Morpeth Spayne,
Editor, International Fire Buyer
Tel: +44 (0) 1622 823 922
Email: editor@firebuyer.com
