As senior vice president, Terry Helgesen directs North American sales and marketing for DENSO International America, Inc., the North American headquarters for DENSO Corporation, a leading global supplier of advanced automotive technology, systems and components.

First joining DENSO International America in 1985 as sales manager, Chrysler Sales Group, Helgesen was promoted to senior manager within several years. His work within DENSO has included a two-year assignment at DENSO Corporation in Kariya, Aichi, Japan, where he interfaced with DaimlerChrysler, General Motors and Mazda on a global basis as an assistant general manager in the International Sales Department. With a bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology from Illinois State University in Normal, and more than 20 years experience in automotive original equipment sales, Helgesen has work experience with three top Tier 1 automotive suppliers.

After receiving his degree and teaching high school industrial education for two years, Helgesen worked for five years in OEM sales for Robert Bosch Corporation in Broadview, Ill. He later spent two years (1993-1995) at Siemens Automotive in Auburn Hills, Mich. first as sales manager and then director, working with Ford, Chrysler and Japanese transplant manufacturers.

In 1995 Helgesen was named director, Business Development. Upon his return from Japan in 1999, he took on the responsibilities of North American DaimlerChrysler Business at DENSO International America, including overall account management, business development, program support, material management and pricing. Helgesen became a vice president in August 2000, overseeing both DaimlerChrysler and Heavy Duty business. His responsibilities expanded to also include Material Management and Accounts Receivable in July 2002, before Helgesen stepped up into his current position and responsibilities in January 2004.