REGIONAL HEAD OF PURCHASING, HSBC MIDDLE EAST, 25

In the past few years Matthew Rees’s career in procurement has mirrored the rapid rise of the skyscrapers where he works in Dubai.

Having taken up a 12-month placement at HSBC during his purchasing degree, he returned to the bank as a graduate buyer after completing his studies. His return was £17 million of savings in his first 18 months.

In July 2008 he was appointed to his current role where he controls a spend of about £242 million in 13 different countries. His remit has included building a team from scratch and working with the head of purchasing at Saudi Arabia British Bank to create a collaborative regional model.

In his first five months, Rees delivered $1.8 million (£1.1 million) cost savings, as well as introducing group suppliers to the region for a debit card project for the UAE and Saudi Arabia, which is expected to produce $2 million (£1.2 million) savings in 2009.

In addition, he was recognised as this year’s CIPS SM Young Purchasing and Supply Management Professional of the Year.

“Matthew has continued to evidence a passion for purchasing and personal development that not only does him great credit, but has been the catalyst for others in the group to challenge themselves,” says Jon Bain, group head of IT procurement at HSBC. “He has fully justified his rapid advancement from a highly valued team member to a functional leader at a regional level.”