Kathrin Scapin

Today, Kathrin Scapin supports Regent key customers from the pharmaceuticals and chemicals industry and convinces not only with her evident enthusiasm for light, but also by her outstanding expertise in this highly technical application field. She started her career in Munich as a student trainee with a large German manufacturer of luminaires and components. A little later, as the first female field service employee of the company, she supported the entire Rhine-Main region and numerous wholesale dealers.

In spring 2012 it was time to relocate and she reports on the beginning of her work at Regent in Basle: «I was really warmly welcomed. After only a week I was asked if I wanted to join the motorcycle club. I was a bit apprehensive at first about leaving Germany for Switzerland. But I decided to take that step and I have never regretted it. I was cordially received and always had a great team, no matter which department I worked in.»

As a product manager for the segments ‘Outdoor’ and ‘Shop & Retail’ she focussed on the central task of converting the portfolio to LED. After three and a half years in product management she was offered the opportunity, within the scope of a new job, to develop a strategy for improving the support of light planners and architects, analysing the working method and networking of these target groups and increase their awareness of sector-related issues.

Light and architecture how has a reciprocal fascination for Kathrin Scapin: «I found the intensive personal exchange with light planners tremendously interesting. Because they think differently, see the world differently and of course have a different perception. Particularly the Basle region offers a vast variety of architecture in the smallest of areas.» The personal discussions with various major architects became a key experience for her. «That was the best thing of all. That was really something about which I have to say that, in any other company, I would probably never have had the chance of doing.»

Then Kathrin Scapin admits that, as a woman in a men's domain, you always have to prove yourself that little bit more at the beginning of any business relationship «No matter whether you talk to an electrician, the management or the chief purchaser, you always have to prove yourself at first. Even today – after more than ten years in the sector – I often still get sceptical glances. I am put to the test, get one or two trial questions. But once I have proved myself competent, I am usually able to establish stable relationships and find good solutions together with the customer, even in difficult situation.»

Today, Kathrin Scapin accompanies the large Regent projects in the pharmaceuticals and chemicals fields and supports demanding customers in the selection of the right lighting solution, whether for cleanrooms, laboratories, explosion-prone area or emergency lighting. «The safety requirements are extremely high in such projects. On the one hand, expert competence is necessary, and on the other hand you need really good contacts with light planners and architects. You can't plan such buildings on your own; the projects are drafted in a large committee with 15-20 decision-makers.»

When so much professional qualification and a high level of social competence are combined it is clear that the demand is versatile. She is therefore particularly delighted about her appointment to the vocational school. Every Friday afternoon she teaches trained electricians and prospective project managers in the subject of lighting technology. «The teaching assignment is a great thing. We have a very intensive exchange over many months. I gain a lot of current knowledge about the market and we have a very good contact to one another. We kind of grow together.»