Vanguard has appointed two familiar faces to lead its Australian, UK and European operations.

Global investment manager Vanguard has rejigged its leadership team, appointing John James as its new leader of UK and Europe, and Colin Kelton as managing director of Vanguard, Australia. 

James will transition from his position as managing director of Australia to assume responsibility for UK and European operations. He will report to Vanguard International's managing director, James Norris. 

“We are very pleased to retain John on Vanguard’s international leadership team. He is a tenured professional in the investment management industry who will bring his experiences from the US and Australia to benefit our European business and our clients,” said Norris in a statement.

Taking the reins from James as leader of the group's Australian business is Kelton, who has been promoted from his position as principal of retail marketing and the communications group in the US.

“Colin is a Vanguard veteran who possesses a vast amount of knowledge and understanding of Vanguard’s highly successful US operations. He will be a valuable addition to our international leadership team and help to lead the next chapter of our growth and success serving the needs of Australian investors,” said Norris.

Elsewhere, Thomas Rampulla, who has led operations in the UK and Europe for seven years, will return to the US by mid-year to head the company's $1 trillion financial advisor services division. He will join Vanguard's senior executive team.

As of 31 January 2015, Vanguard managed over $3.01 trillion in assets worldwide.