Meet Louise Ratcliffe: dormakaba’s new Product Manager for Entrance System Automatics
As part of our month-long celebration of International Women’s Day, we are delighted to introduce Louise Ratcliffe, the newest addition to the dormakaba team. Louise has recently joined us as Product Manager for Entrance System Automatics, bringing a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to the team.
We sat down with Louise to discuss her new role and what drives her as a leader in the industry.
A new chapter at dormakaba
In her new role, Louise is responsible for overseeing the development and management of dormakaba’s Entrance System Automatics product range, ensuring they meet the needs of customers and stay at the forefront of technology.
“I’m really excited to join dormakaba,” says Louise. “The company’s commitment to innovation and sustainability really resonates with me, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued growth of our Entrance System Automatics range. It’s an exciting time for us, and I’m ready to dive in!”
A passion for innovation and leadership
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Louise understands the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace. “I’m proud to be part of a company that values and celebrates diversity, and I’m excited to help pave the way for more women in leadership roles within our sector,” she says.
A rich background in the industry
Louise's journey to dormakaba began 21 years ago. She started her career working for family-run firms, gaining valuable hands-on experience in the industry. “Working in smaller firms gave me a great foundation in understanding the ins and outs of the industry, and now I’m bringing that experience with me to dormakaba,” says Louise. “The move has been a refreshing change, and I’m really enjoying the opportunity to be part of a larger, more global company with a strong focus on innovation.”
What’s next for Louise at dormakaba
Looking ahead, Louise is focused on driving the growth of dormakaba’s Entrance System Automatics product range by continuing to innovate, prioritise sustainability, and deliver solutions that enhance the customer experience. “The products I’m particularly excited about are our door efficiency calculator in conjunction with the MotionIQ sensors and our automatic doors such as the ST Pro Green energy efficient sliding door. dormakaba lead the way with this calculator and so we can tailor our offerings to meet our customers specific needs.”
When asked about her expectations for the future, Louise adds, “I see the Entrance System Automatics product range continuing to evolve in line with emerging technologies. I’m excited to be at the forefront of that change and contribute to how we can integrate new technologies to enhance safety, accessibility, and convenience for users. Sustainability will also be paramount for decision makers, and I believe our Door Efficiency Calculator and MotionIQ technology will maintain our position as a market leader.”
The path for more women in product management
As a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, Louise’s journey has not been without its challenges. “There have definitely been moments when I’ve had to prove myself in a male-dominated field,” she reflects. “But it’s also been incredibly rewarding. I think the key to encouraging more women to pursue careers in our industry is to provide mentorship, create inclusive work environments, and demonstrate the impact women can have in leadership roles.”
She adds, “At dormakaba, I’ve felt supported to take on this leadership role and have been hugely encouraged by the amount of women in senior positions within the company. I’m excited to be part of such an inclusive organisation, and feel we will continue to encourage future generations of women to join the industry.”
The key to success in product management
When asked about the qualities that are essential for success in a product management role, Louise emphasises a mix of strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and a passion for delivering great customer experiences. “Being able to understand the bigger picture and anticipate customer needs is crucial in product management,” she explains. “At dormakaba, I plan to apply these qualities by closely collaborating with my colleagues, staying up to date with industry trends, and continuously seeking ways to improve our product range. Coming from a background of smaller firms, I’ve often had to be involved with all aspects of the business, which should come in very useful in my Product Manager role.”
Looking ahead
“At dormakaba, we’re constantly working to improve and evolve, and I’m excited to be part of that journey,” says Louise. “The future is bright, and I’m looking forward to what’s to come.”
As we celebrate International Women’s Day and the incredible contributions of women across all industries, we’re proud to have Louise as part of the dormakaba family. We’re excited to see the impact she’ll have on our products, our team, and our customers. To contact Louise, please email louise.ratcliffe@dormakaba.com