HK

Helen Kirby

Available to hire

I am an accomplished communications and editorial professional with an international career spanning Japan, the UK and Europe.

About

I am an accomplished communications and editorial professional with an international career spanning Japan, the UK and Europe. I excel at turning complex information into clear, persuasive English materials that support senior leaders and global teams.

With experience at McKinsey & Company and Toyota, I have a track record of transforming intricate data into concise, high-impact messages that drive decision-making and strengthen stakeholder alignment across cultures. I combine linguistic precision with cross-cultural fluency, sound judgment, and a collaborative approach to executive support, corporate language training, and content localisation that builds influence and fosters strong relationships across functions.

  • 9 years' experience
  • Joined November 2025

Languages

  • EnglishFluent
  • ItalianFluent
  • Spanish; CastilianFluent
  • JapaneseAdvanced

Industry experience

  • Professional Services
  • Education
  • Media & Entertainment

Work experience· 10 roles

Personal Assistant to the Head of Primary School · The British School in TokyoNov 2016 – Nov 2016 · 1 mo

Delivered comprehensive support to the Head of Primary, managing daily operations, strategic projects, and community engagement. Oversaw communications, events, and external relations, coordinating key programmes such as the Japanese language curriculum and extra-curricular activities. Handled budgets, vendor relationships, and parent communications, ensuring operational excellence in a dynamic, multicultural environment.

Executive Assistant to the Managing Partner & Chairman (Japan Office) · McKinsey & Company, Inc., JapanNov 2016 – Nov 2025 · 9 yrs 1 mo

Provided high-level executive and organisational support to the Managing Partner and Chairman of McKinsey Japan. Acted as a trusted liaison between leadership, internal teams, and global stakeholders, ensuring seamless communication and coordination. Managed complex schedules, confidential correspondence, travel logistics, and high-level meetings. Enabled senior leadership to focus on strategic priorities through exceptional attention to detail, judgment, and discretion.

Client Communications & Copy Editor · McKinsey & Company, Inc., JapanNov 2016 – Nov 2025 · 9 yrs 1 mo

Collaborate with consultants and designers to develop persuasive, executive-level materials for global clients. Craft, refine, and edit reports, presentations, and digital content to ensure clarity, precision, and impact. Write and adapt copy across multiple platforms, including voiceover scripts, blogs, and web content, tailoring tone and messaging to diverse audiences. Partner with consultants to strengthen client engagement through sharp, credible, and actionable communications aligned with McKinsey’s brand and strategic vision.

Teacher of English · Shane Corporation Japan / Saxoncourt, TokyoOct 2010 – Oct 2010 · 1 mo
Director of Recruitment & Personnel · Shane Corporation Japan / Saxoncourt, TokyoSep 2009 – Sep 2009 · 1 mo
Senior Director of Studies · Shane Corporation Japan / Saxoncourt, TokyoMar 2006 – Mar 2006 · 1 mo
Director of Studies · Shane Corporation Japan / Saxoncourt, TokyoNov 2003 – Nov 2003 · 1 mo
Personal Assistant to the Japanese Managing Director & Investor Relations Assistant · Toyota Motor Corporation, London, UKDec 2001 – Dec 2001 · 1 mo

Education

BA (Hons) in Italian Studies with French & Psychology · Kingston University1989 – 1993
Specialist exchange year in Italian language and culture · Università degli Studi di Bergamo, Italy1991 – 1992

Certifications and awards

Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) Level 22004 – 2025

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