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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.…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.

Helen Kirby

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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.…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.

Available to hire

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.

Skills

Copywriting

Script

Experience Level

Copywriting

Expert

Script

Intermediate

Language

English

Fluent

Italian

Fluent

Spanish; Castilian

Fluent

Japanese

Advanced

Work Experience

Client Communications & Copy Editor at McKinsey & Company, Inc., Japan

November 1, 2016 - November 21, 2025

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.

Executive Assistant to the Managing Partner & Chairman (Japan Office) at McKinsey & Company, Inc., Japan

November 1, 2016 - November 21, 2025

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.

Personal Assistant to the Head of Primary School at The British School in Tokyo

November 1, 2016 - November 1, 2016

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.

Director of Recruitment & Personnel at Shane Corporation Japan / Saxoncourt, Tokyo

September 30, 2009 - September 30, 2009

Led regional recruitment, training, and operational management for a large educational organisation with international staff. Managed HR functions including contracts, salary structures, scheduling, and visa administration. Supervised and developed teaching teams, enhancing instructional quality and professional standards across multiple regions. Contributed to business planning and staff development initiatives to strengthen organisational performance and culture.

Senior Director of Studies at Shane Corporation Japan / Saxoncourt, Tokyo

March 31, 2006 - March 31, 2006

Oversaw strategic academic planning and regional study programs, contributing to curriculum development and teacher performance oversight.

Director of Studies at Shane Corporation Japan / Saxoncourt, Tokyo

November 30, 2003 - November 30, 2003

Led operations for studies programs, including staff development and instructional quality across multiple regions.

Teacher of English at Shane Corporation Japan / Saxoncourt, Tokyo

October 31, 2010 - October 31, 2010

Taught English to students, staff, and parents; developed lesson materials, assessments, and exam content; contributed to cross-cultural educational initiatives.

Personal Assistant to the Japanese Managing Director & Investor Relations Assistant at Toyota Motor Corporation, London, UK

December 31, 2001 - December 31, 2001

Supported senior Japanese executives in investor relations and corporate communications for Toyota’s London office. Edited and localised financial and public-facing materials, including press releases and speeches, ensuring clarity and alignment with Toyota’s global messaging. Coordinated investor meetings and press distribution, strengthening relationships with European stakeholders.

Native English Instructor at Sumiyoshi High School, Osaka, Japan

December 31, 2000 - December 31, 2000

Taught English to students, staff, and PTA members; developed lesson materials, assessments, and exam content; contributed to enhancing English language education standards through cross-cultural exchange.

English Language Instructor at Private Sector Roles, Italy & Spain

December 31, 1994 - December 31, 1994

Taught English to corporate and private clients; provided translation and communication training services, building early expertise in cross-cultural communication.