Port Adelaide chief executive John James today announced his resignation to join global funds management giant Vanguard in the USA.

James, who joined the Power in August 2004, will move to Philadelphia, home of Vanguard’s headquarters, to head up its national broker / dealer operation.

James said despite his love for the football club and the role, the opportunity was one which he could not ignore.

“It’s never a perfect time to resign,” James said. “I have nothing but positive feelings about the Port Adelaide Football Club.

“This is an opportunity that potentially only comes up once in a lifetime, it is just unfortunate it comes half way through our season.

“I have met so many great people in my time at the club and I will miss the passion that exists for this great club.

“I certainly will always be a Port Adelaide person and will be following the club’s progress very closely. I suspect that means staying up very late to get the scores.”

James said there were a range of highlights which he enjoyed during his nearly four years with the club, but identified the people as his number one.

“No doubt the highlight of my time at the club is the people,” James said.

“I would like to think that I have played a role in building a strong team of people across the whole organization to create a financial and football platform for the future.

“In 2004 we were saved financially by the premiership and since then every step we have taken has been to achieve financial sustainability.

“I think the club has strong leadership in place and great people to take us to our next premiership and achieve financial sustainability.

“The one thing I have learnt in football is the week to week focus means you are always being analysed. This club’s greatest strength is we never get swayed by the critics and commentators and we continually drive improvement in everything we do. After all this club has always existed to win and nothing else matters”.

Power President Greg Boulton praised James for his time as chief executive.

“John has proven to be a fantastic chief executive, with a real passion for Port Adelaide and we are very sad to see him go.

“In his time at the helm, John has and driven a change culture critical to competing and being successful in the AFL.

“John’s time will be marked by excellent growth in our corporate business and continually driving our whole club to improve in every aspect.

“We certainly wish John, his wife Anne and daughters Macy and Lyla all the best in the USA. They will always be part of the Port Adelaide family.”

Boulton said he was confident there were people in place to lead the club forward.

“The positive is that we have a strong management team that can take us forward in John’s absence. The Port Adelaide Football Club is one of the greatest sporting clubs in this country and we are confident we will successfully fill the role,” Boulton said.

The Port Adelaide Football Club will advertise for the position nationally, but also understands there will potentially be applicants internally.

The club has had just two chief executives during its 12 seasons in the AFL. James was appointed during 2004, taking over from Brian Cunningham who was at the helm from before the club moved to the AFL.

James will be working through a handover during the next month before heading to the United States to start his role on 1 September 2008.