Mothercare UK managing director Mike Logue is to leave the maternity specialist after the retailer made the role redundant as part of a management restructure.

Logue, who was formerly commercial director at Asda, has headed up Mothercare’s struggling UK business since August 2011.

The news comes as Mothercare Australia, which is a separate entity from the quoted company, was placed into administration to today.

Mothercare chief executive Simon Calver will take more direct control of the UK business and is understood to be close to appointing a commercial director who will take on some of Logue’s responsibilities. 

A source close to the situation said the restructure is designed to inject “more pace” into its struggling UK business.

Calver kickstarted a turnaround plan for the UK when he joined the retailer last April. Despite a 5.9% like-for-like fall in its quarter to January 12, Calver insisted his plan was on track.

The retailer has introduced better prices, new product and better staff engagement into its UK business.

Logue, who was formerly managing director at both Asda Living and Gamestation, is set to leave the business in the next couple of weeks.

Mothercare declined to comment.