The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) head of policy Brad Pragnell has resigned to take up a job with another association.

Pragnell will move to the Australian Payments Clearing Association as head of industry policy in May.

ASFA's director of research Ross Clare will replace Pragnell until a full-time replacement can be found.

Pragnell said it was not easy to make the decision to leave ASFA.

"In the end, the opportunity to take a critical role in defining the future direction of the payments system in Australia was irresistible," he said.

Pragnell joined ASFA in March 2001 as a principal policy adviser. He had previously worked at CPA Australia for three years as a policy adviser on superannuation and financial planning issues.

While at ASFA, Pragnell was responsible for consulting with government and industry on superannuation.

In August 2007 Pragnell was hired as ASFA's deputy chief executive. He also acted as ASFA's chief executive prior to Pauline Vamos's hire in September that year.

"It has been a dynamic period for the Australian superannuation industry and I feel privileged to have played a role," Pragnell said.

ASFA chief executive Pauline Vamos said Pragnell has left a legacy.

"Brad is widely respected by ASFA members for his vast knowledge, straight bat and passion and has deservedly enjoyed a significant profile within the superannuation industry," Vamos said.