Alex Evans, central controller, H&M

This rising star has gone from part-time sales adviser to become one of H&M’s youngest area controllers.

Alex Evans started on the shop floor while studying for a degree in economics and politics at the University of Sheffield in 2010.

After graduating in 2012, aged just 21, he secured the role of area controller, overseeing a large group of stores in the north-east of England. In this role, he helped improve efficiency, decrease over-stocking and enhance the operational running of stores.

Evans balanced a heavy workload with studying for an MBA. He developed an app to help with workplace scheduling, which was later rolled out to stores across the H&M Group.

He was promoted to central controller in 2016 and is now responsible for setting sales plans and budgets for all UK H&M stores, and managing the team of 12 area controllers.

He has overseen several large projects during his time in the role, including the implementation of RFID (radio frequency identification) technology across the H&M UK store estate.

“Alex is a great example of how, if you are open minded, ambitious and willing to learn you can progress quickly at H&M,” says Karen O’Rourke, country sales manager for H&M UK and Ireland. “His tenacious approach, along with a curious mind, really challenges the status quo.”