Honeywell is recognized for its diverse range of products and solutions in Aerospace Technologies, Industrial Automation, Building Automation and Energy and Sustainability. What may not be widely known is that the company also provides one of the most extensive portfolios of switching and sensing products in the industry.
Pulse 2.0 interviewed Sarah Martin, President of Honeywell Sensing & Safety Technologies, to learn more.
Sarah Martin’s Background
Martin grew up in the UK and received her higher education in Scotland as she holds an M.B.A. from Heriot-Watt’s Edinburgh Business School and an M.A. in Business and Languages from Heriot-Watt University. And Martin said:
“I started my professional journey in the electronics manufacturing industry. Over time, I took on roles in strategic marketing, business development, operations and other areas—these years helped me understand the importance of being customer-centric and how to think about business from a global perspective.”
“In 2012, I transitioned to Honeywell, where I initially served as a senior offering manager for Honeywell Automation and Controls Solutions in the U.K. I progressed within Honeywell, assuming roles such as European marketing director and general manager for electronic sensing and gas detection. I also had the opportunity to lead the Honeywell Advanced Sensing Technologies business before it merged and integrated with Honeywell Gas Analysis and Safety. I am now president of Honeywell Sensing & Safety Technologies.”
Sensing Business At Honeywell
You lead the sensing business for Honeywell. Can you tell us what that entails? What kinds of sensors is Honeywell developing? Martin shared:
“Leading the sensing business at Honeywell involves overseeing the development of solutions aimed at enhancing safety and productivity across sectors, from healthcare, automotive and logistics to aerospace, industrial manufacturing, and more. Some days are more technical where I am meeting with our different lines of business to help them work through challenges and prioritize opportunities. Other days include business reviews, where I lead discussions on the performance of our business groups. I often travel for industry conferences and present on key topics like electrification.”
“Honeywell Sensing & Safety Technologies has an 80-year history of innovation, and we have a large portfolio of technologies, including 50,000+ sensors, switches, gas and flame detectors, and other solutions used in high-risk environments. We focus on developing cutting-edge technologies designed to meet the specific needs of our customers, whether they are original equipment manufacturers developing a piece of medical equipment or end-users working in an oil and gas facility.”
Working At Honeywell
What brought you to Honeywell? Martin pointed out:
“I was initially drawn to Honeywell because of the company’s global reputation for innovation and advancing technologies in important industries. I saw the opportunity to contribute my skills and expertise as well as build on my passion for technology. At Honeywell, you are at the forefront of many of today’s major growth vectors, and there are so many opportunities to expand your career.”
“I have stayed at Honeywell not only because of the career opportunities and the ability to tackle different challenges for our customers but also because of the people and commitment to diversity. I appreciate, for instance, that the company has initiatives like the Women’s Career Advancement Program that are focused on developing women’s careers across business functions, as well as employee network groups where colleagues can learn from each others’ individual experiences.”
Sensors In Various Industries
What are three industries that Martin is most excited about in terms of developments in sensing technologies? Martin shared:
“I am particularly excited about sensing technologies in transportation, healthcare, and sustainability.”
“In the transportation industry, advancements in sensing technologies are revolutionizing the way we travel. The U.S. has set a goal for 50% of all new vehicles sold in 2030 to be zero-emission. This is catapulting an increased interest in electric vehicles (EVs) powered by lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. However, there are risks associated with EVs that sensing technology can address. Thermal runaway occurs when a Li-ion battery cell short-circuits and begins to heat up uncontrollably, which can lead to fast-burning and hard-to-extinguish vehicle fires. Sensors can be installed in the battery pack to detect early signs of thermal runaway and warn passengers to exit the vehicle before a potential fire starts.”
“In healthcare, new sensing technologies are leading to better patient care and outcomes. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is transforming healthcare delivery by enabling continuous monitoring of patients’ vital signs both within the hospital setting and remotely. This frees up beds for those requiring in-person attention. RPM technology also helps reduce the burden on physicians and nurses by streamlining processes and potentially saving clinicians’ time, minimizing error-prone tasks.”
“Sensing technology is also enabling accelerated adoption of more sustainable energy sources, such as hydrogen. Hydrogen can be used to power buildings, EVs, and more. However, hydrogen is lightweight, colorless, and odorless, making a leak nearly impossible to catch, and it is highly flammable. Infrared-based (IR) sensing technology in gas and flame detectors can quickly detect hydrogen flames before they grow into major fires at production facilities, helping to keep workers and infrastructure safe.”
Advice For Women Starting Their Careers
What advice would Martin offer women just starting their careers? Martin reflected:
“For women starting out, I would emphasize the importance of finding your purpose and exploring what truly inspires and drives you. This goes beyond your specific job. For me, it’s about all the ways technology can be used to improve people’s lives. I came to realize this through personal experiences with the healthcare system. I have witnessed inefficiencies in healthcare settings and how often our experiences with medical care fail to “connect the dots” and look at the patient holistically. There are so many ways technology presents an opportunity here to solve problems and improve both health outcomes and experiences for patients. For example, technology that digitizes the hospital can make the lives of care workers easier, in turn improving patient quality of care.”
“As a female in business, I would also advise stretching yourself into unknown areas, even if they are lateral moves; this will help shape your unique perspective and experience. In addition, setting your boundaries early on, learning to delegate effectively, and building up a network of supporters who will be there when you need help are all important skills to hone.”
“Something else I have learned is the importance of embracing change and taking risks. Taking the risk of starting a new role can mean you aren’t stuck in one pathway, and you can broaden your skillset, making it easier to solve problems and work with a range of people. Some of the biggest risks I have taken, like relocating to the United States and merging two business groups together, have had the greatest payoffs. These experiences also helped me learn that change is constant and always represents an opportunity for growth.”
Future Goals
Is there anything Martin would still like to accomplish? Martin concluded:
“I remain passionate about driving innovation in sensing technologies that can enable advances in healthcare, transportation, and sustainability without compromising safety. My goal is to continue leading transformative initiatives that result in meaningful change while ultimately keeping the people, businesses, and communities we serve safe.”
“I am always asking myself and my teams, what more can we be doing to improve lives and strengthen communities? How can we enable faster and better decision-making or bring more efficiency to our customers? There are always areas where we can continue to improve our operations and solutions to reach even greater accomplishments in the future.”
