Mr Blake joins Vanguard from Standard Life Platforms, where he was head of sales. In this position he was responsible for the firm’s business plan and new business strategy, overseeing a team of 35 business development and implementation managers.

"We are continuing to build a strong UK team that will work together to grow the UK business. Nick's contribution will be critical as we reach out to the IFA market and help to provide them with the education, resources and low-cost, highly disciplined investments they need to serve their clients," said Tom Rampulla, managing director, Vanguard Investments UK.

Mr Blake’s appointment follows those of Peter Robertson as head of retail services and Richard Wane as chief international legal counsel. 

Vanguard manages more than $1.2 trillion in assets with over 23 million individual and institutional accounts worldwide. The firm offers more than 150 funds and ETFs to US investors and more than 50 additional funds in non-US markets.