Career and Professional Development of Pierre-Alain Dondénaz

While 120 partner companies look after private customers, Pierre-Alain Dondénaz and his team are responsible for managing major projects. This includes multi-residential buildings as well as properties of a renowned manufacturer in the watch industry and the building extension for the University of Lausanne (UNIL). Pierre-Alain Dondénaz and his sales representatives are currently advising on equipping the new La Brénaz penal institution in the canton of Geneva with high-performance locking technology.

Pierre-Alain Dondénaz himself also often visits customers directly on site to ensure that he can provide optimal advice. It is important to him that he doesn't just stay in the office, and this is also part of his self-image as a former sales representative when he started his career at ASSA ABLOY 20 years ago. He had already completed an apprenticeship as an electrical mechanic prior to this, and another as an automotive mechanic. This enthusiasm for mechanics and electrics, which the passionate hobby racing driver lives out in his free time by restoring modern classics, soon aroused his interest in the locking technology industry and the motorised locks and electric strikes used there. "You have to know exactly what to be aware of with 12-volt technology. My first apprenticeship was very important to me," emphasises Pierre-Alain Dondénaz.

In the years that followed, in addition to his specialist knowledge, he acquired further knowledge that prepared him for a managerial position in the company. Encouraged by his manager, he took part in ASSA ABLOY’s internal MMT training and completed additional training as a sales manager, which paved the way for him to become a Key Account Manager for Western Switzerland in 2011. In 2016, he took over as branch manager in Préverenges.

Pierre-Alain Dondénaz particularly likes the fact that no two days are the same and that every day holds new challenges. He advises people who are interested in a career in the company to step forward: “Show interest and get in touch. If you want to do more, you can always find someone at ASSA ABLOY who will help you develop.”