cat lyon

On the back of 4 global consultancy of the Year awards since 2020, Cat was awarded ‘Woman to Watch’ in APAC and global agency leader of the year in 2023.

She started her career in Sydney for ‘Behind Bars’, rising quickly in the agency to lead the Diageo luxury portfolio across multiple markets.

This prompted a move to New York to take on Diageo globally for MKTG and quickly attracting clients such as the Latin Grammys, and NBA global games, with whom she toured for a year to establish their international network.

Following the acquisition of MKTG by Dentsu, Cat saw an opportunity to build MKTG APAC from Singapore. In four years, she established MKTG as the fastest-growing Dentsu brand network in the region, and the most profitable within Dentsu Singapore. She recorded the highest staff engagement and client satisfaction scores across the group. In 2019, Cat spotted a gap in the market to launch an independent global brand and experience consultancy. Walking away from the security of a holding group, investment and pre-acquisition discussions, she co-founded Half Rhino.

Involved in all areas of building the consultancy, she has co-led the business strategy, talent acquisition, team development and new business. In 2023, Half Rhino doubled on revenue and profits and continues to swipe awards, with an impressive roster of new clients, including MBS, HP, Hilton, Ripple and Luxottica.

A true advocate of diversity and a dedicated mentor, Cat leads by example and is invested in developing a new breed of young leaders who are commercially savvy with high emotional intelligence. She doesn’t talk platitudes, industry jargon, or court self-promotion—instead uses her energy to build her people, client relationships and support the wider community. 

sean o’brien

Sean has over 30 years’ global leadership experience, working in the UK, USA, Latin America and Asia. Most recently he led 6 agency networks across APAC for dentsu, managing 19 markets and over 4,500 people, before co-founding half rhino in 2019.

He has a track record of delivering growth for both large corporate and start-up organisations - and has built long-term client relationships with the likes of Coca-Cola, Hilton, McDonald’s, HP, Microsoft, Mastercard, Adidas, Lego and Nissan.

Sean has led transformation and diversity projects within large creative and media networks and is a strong believer in client leadership, fostering talent and in creating social impact.

He has won over 50 industry awards, including APAC Head of the Year on 2 occasions, an IPA effectiveness award, a shortlist at Cannes, 4 Consultancy of the Year awards since 2020 and global agency leader of the year in 2023.

Sean is a qualified business coach and mentors' start-ups in the wellness, tech and media pace.