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Helen Kirby

Executive Assistant & Copy Editor

About Me

I am a UK-born communications specialist and permanent resident of Japan, with a career spanning corporate strategy, executive support, and international education. I have held senior roles at McKinsey & Company Japan and Toyota Motor Corporation, delivering executive-level communications and supporting C-suite leadership. Fluent in several European languages and conversational in Japanese, I bring a strong cross-cultural perspective and a collaborative, trusted approach to my work.

Jurisdiction

United Kingdom

Notable Employer

  • Executive Assistant, Client Copy Editor at McKinsey

Experience

Seniority LevelMid-Senior level
Years of Experience20+ years
Current StatusActive
Executive Assistant, Client Copy EditorNotableMcKinsey
2016 - 2025

Executive Assistant to the Office Manager and Chairman of Japan. • Provided high-level executive and organisational support to the Managing Partner and Chairman of McKinsey Japan • Acted as a trusted liaison between senior leadership, internal teams, and global stakeholders, ensuring clear and timely communication • Managed complex and fast-changing schedules, confidential correspondence, and extensive domestic and international travel • Coordinated high-level internal and client-facing meetings, including preparation of materials and follow-up actions • Exercised sound judgment, discretion, and diplomacy in handling sensitive information and senior-level interactions • Enabled senior leadership to focus on strategic priorities through exceptional attention to detail and proactive support

Education

Degree of Italian Studies with French and psychology The University of Hull
1989 - 1993

Skills

Core skills0
Languages4

Languages

English
Italian
Japanese
Spanish