John James, managing director, Vanguard Australia, and Colin Kelton, principal of Vanguard’s retail marketing and communications group in the US, have been appointed to new roles on the leadership team of Vanguard’s International group, reporting directly to James M Norris, managing director, Vanguard International.

James will transition from his current position as managing director, Vanguard Australia, assuming responsibility for management, distribution, and operations of Vanguard’s UK and European businesses. 

James joined Vanguard at its US headquarters in 2008 as head of broker-dealer sales and distribution, and then moved to the international division and was the global business lead for the group's strategic review of the Vanguard Group's non US business and distribution efforts. In 2010, James returned to Australia to lead Vanguard's Australian operation.

James replaces Thomas M Rampulla, who after seven years of leading Vanguard’s operations in the United Kingdom and Europe, will return to the US to head Vanguard’s $1trn financial advisor services division by mid-year. Rampulla will join Vanguard’s senior executive team and report directly to Vanguard CEO Bill McNabb.

Rampulla joined Vanguard in 1988 and has held various positions of increasing responsibility. He has worked in Vanguard’s financial division, fixed income group and institutional sales and marketing. 

Kelton will assume the position of Managing Director-Vanguard Australia, with responsibility for all aspects of management, distribution, and operations of Vanguard’s Australian business.

Kelton is a principal in Vanguard’s retail marketing and communications group and leads efforts in prospect and client marketing and communications; web design and architecture; and social media for the retail investor group. Kelton started with Vanguard in 1990 as a service associate and has held various positions of increasing responsibility in Vanguard’s retirement resource center, retail operations, and retail services.