Grant Thornton’s Cathy Hyodo and Deborah Newman named ‘Women of Influence’ by the Los Angeles Business Journal

CHICAGO — Grant Thornton, one of America’s largest brands of professionals providing end-to-end audit, assurance, tax and advisory services, announced that two of its leaders have been named “Women of Influence” by the Los Angeles Business Journal (LABJ): Cathy Hyodo and Deborah Newman.

This recognition honors standout accounting professionals in Los Angeles and their contributions to their firms, clients and communities.

Tony Perazzo, regional managing partner for the West region at Grant Thornton, notes that Hyodo and Newman’s achievements reflect not only vision and dedication, but the impact of people-focused leadership.

“Cathy has been a driving force in Southern California for nearly two decades—expanding our presence, elevating our reputation and shaping a culture rooted in mentorship and innovation,” said Perazzo. “Deborah transformed our media and entertainment group into a strategic national practice, in large part by bringing the right people together through a collaborative, team-first approach. This recognition is a well-earned reflection of the impact they’ve had.”

Hyodo, whose career spans over three decades, has held multiple leadership roles. She currently oversees the Greater Southwest region, leading hundreds of tax, audit and advisory professionals while advising clients in the manufacturing, digital media, e-commerce and technology industries. This award continues a pattern of recognition for Hyodo, including being named a "Leader of Influence: Minority CPA edition" and one of the city’s “Top 100 Accountants" by the LABJ.

“Every recognition I receive is shared with my team because none of this is possible alone,” said Hyodo. “In a people-centric business, our success is collective, and my focus remains on growing our people and building a culture of collaboration and innovation to better serve our clients.”

Under Newman’s leadership, a previously underdeveloped segment of the broader technology and telecommunications category grew into a thriving national practice. Her foresight, inclusive leadership and deep industry knowledge allowed her to expand the firm’s footprint in high-growth sectors and drive national strategy. She formed the media and entertainment team at Grant Thornton, uniting people across geographies to create a holistic team focused on subsectors including film, television, digital media, publishing and sports. As a certified professional coach, she applies her coaching framework to develop leaders, foster collaboration and unlock breakthrough growth across the practice.

“I’m honored to be recognized as a ‘Woman of Influence,’ but this award reflects the hard work of many building a practice that makes an impact for our clients and the industry,” said Newman. “It’s gratifying to see our efforts validated and it reinforces that the work we’re doing for our clients is the right path forward.”

About Grant Thornton

Grant Thornton delivers professional services in the US through two specialized entities: Grant Thornton LLP, a licensed, certified public accounting (CPA) firm that provides audit and assurance services ― and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC (not a licensed CPA firm), which exclusively provides non-attest offerings, including tax and advisory services. 

In January 2025, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC formed a multinational, multidisciplinary platform with Grant Thornton Ireland. The platform offers a premier advisory and tax practice, as well as independent audit practices. With almost 60 offices across three continents — including the U.S., Ireland, the UAE and other territories — the platform delivers a singular client experience that includes enhanced solutions and capabilities, backed by powerful technologies and a roster of approximately 13,500 quality-driven professionals enjoying exceptional career-growth opportunities and a distinctive cross-border culture.

Grant Thornton is part of the Grant Thornton International Limited network, which provides access to its member firms in more than 150 global markets. 

Grant Thornton LLP, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC and their respective subsidiaries operate as an alternative practice structure (APS). The APS conforms with applicable laws, regulations and professional standards, including those from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

“Grant Thornton” refers to the brand under which the member firms in the Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) network provide services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms. Grant Thornton LLP and Grant Thornton Advisors LLC serve as the U.S. member firms of the GTIL network. GTIL and its member firms are not a worldwide partnership and all member firms are separate legal entities. Member firms deliver all services; GTIL does not provide services to clients.