Valley Forge, Penn.-based Vanguard has appointed John James as a managing director and its head of human resources.

James will replace Kathleen Gubanich, who will retire at the end of the year.

James joined Vanguard in 2008 as head of broker-dealer sales and distribution, then moved on to the company’s International Division to review the firm’s non-U.S. business and distribution. In 2010, James was appointed to lead Vanguard’s Australian operations.

Prior to joining Vanguard, James served as the CEO of Australian Football League team Port Adelaide for four years.