Leading with Strategy and Collaboration: Spotlight on James Brooks, Director of Sales & Marketing

At Helix Linear Technologies, growth is driven by people who combine vision with execution. Our new Director of Sales and Marketing, James Brooks, brings decades of global experience and a deep understanding of motion control technology to the team. 

His leadership bridges technical expertise and business strategy, helping Helix reach new heights in innovation and customer relationships.

A Global Journey in Motion Technology

James’s career began in the UK, working with flying control actuators that supported commercial aviation across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. “I started out working with flying control actuators, and that experience gave me an early appreciation for precision and reliability,” he shares.

In the mid-1990s, he made a bold move (trading London for Chicago) to continue his work in automation and expand his impact in the industry. Over the years, James transitioned into marketing, sales, and eventually strategic business leadership, working with both domestic and international organizations. He even spent time specializing in intelligent fasteners and advanced condition-monitoring technologies.

His connection to Helix runs deep. “I knew Chris Nook from earlier in my career and had also worked with Rich Maxon. Having the opportunity to join these folks and work with a leading, innovative company in actuation was something I couldn’t say no to.”

First Impressions and Shared Values

When James first visited Helix’s facility, what stood out most wasn’t just the technology. It was the culture.

“I wrote a thank-you to the team after visiting Helix for the first time,” he recalls. “The meetings with leadership were fun, inspiring, and showed a strong commitment to excellence in business and continuous improvement. The plant reflected the same and is a great example of continuous improvement in action.”

It’s that spirit of collaboration and pursuit of excellence that solidified his decision to join Helix’s leadership team.

Shaping the Future of Sales and Marketing

James is focused on aligning Helix’s strengths ~ its people, innovation, and time-to-market ~ with a global growth strategy.

“In the coming years, we’ll be developing a go-to-market strategy that builds on our core strengths and expands our reach through new channels,” he explains. “That means growing our field sales professionals, applications engineers, distributors, resellers, and global partnerships to build leadership in our target markets.”

His goal is to establish a customer-focused strategy that amplifies Helix’s presence in industries where precision motion is critical like aerospace, medical, robotics, and industrial automation.

Collaboration and Innovation: Keys to Success

James sees collaboration as the defining factor in the future of precision motion technology. “The front end, from customer collaboration to production, will determine who leads the industry. Greater engagement with clients, from idea exchange to prototyping, is key. Our strength is in expanding that leadership position through innovation and close client involvement.”

He believes that Helix’s competitive edge lies in its ability to partner with customers from concept to production, compressing time-to-market while delivering excellence every step of the way.

Leading with Purpose and Respect

James’s leadership philosophy centers on empowerment and empathy. “I am a leader who makes everyone around me better,” he says. “I bring clarity, energy, and an instinct for developing people that raises the performance of the whole team.”

For James, leadership starts with how you treat people. “Every day, remember that people are unique, special, and precious. Treat them as such, with respect, the same way you would like to be treated.”

Life Beyond Leadership

Outside of work, James is a man of faith, family, and creativity. “Faith is at the center of who I am. I’m a follower of Christ,” he shares. He finds joy in painting and building miniature dioramas, staying active by riding his Penny Farthing and playing pickleball, and traveling with his wife Valeria to visit family and friends in the UK and Brazil.

“Traveling keeps me connected and inspired,” he says. “It’s a reminder that perspective and gratitude fuel creativity, both in life and in leadership.”

Looking Ahead

With his international perspective, strategic mindset, and passion for people, James Brooks is helping to position Helix Linear Technologies for the next stage of growth. His focus on collaboration, innovation, and respect reflects the core values that define Helix. This sets the company apart in the world of precision motion.

As Helix continues to expand its reach, James’s leadership ensures that every strategy begins and ends with the customer and with the people who make progress possible.