FPA chief executive Jo-Anne Bloch has been appointed as Mercer's member services and advice leader.
Her appointment is effective from May 2010.
"Global consulting, outsourcing and investments firm Mercer has cemented its commitment to, and industry leadership in, superannuation member services and financial advice with the appointment of Jo-Anne Bloch to the role of member services and advice leader," the company said.
Bloch announced her resignation to the FPA's general managers and staff this morning.
The resignation came as a surprise, as Bloch had signed a new two-year contract with the association last June.
"I'm very confident the board will be able to continue on with our strategy. We have got a good strong management team at the FPA," FPA chair Julie Berry said.
Bloch will stay with the FPA until Easter, after which deputy chief executive Deen Sanders will act as head of the association.
"Deen is the deputy chief executive so he will be working with the board as Jo-Anne steps away from her role until we recruit a new CEO," Berry said.
Recruitment firm Johnson Executive Search has been appointed to find a replacement for Bloch.
It is the same firm that brought Bloch and the FPA together, when she joined the association in 2006.
Berry could not confirm whether Sanders would be in the running for the head role.
"We are looking in the broader market, and certainly if Deen chooses to put his name in there as well, he would be given due consideration," Berry said.
