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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 skills8
Interests5
Languages4

Skills

Executive support
Editing
Proof reading
Writing
English language teaching
Advanced computer skills
CEO level presentation
High level executive support

Interests

Education
Consultancy
Sustainability
Human rights
Child care

Languages

English
Italian
Japanese
Spanish