Managing director of Healthcare Locums Australia, Andy McRae, is leaving his post to return to the UK. He has also stepped down from the board with immediate effect, the healthcare recruiter announced Tuesday.

The firm has seen tough market conditions in Australia where falling demand for healthcare staff impacted sales last year. Mr McRae “has led HCA through a number of significant business changes during difficult market conditions,” the company said.  He will be replaced by Jason Cartwright who will be joining the firm on 17 April 2013 as CEO of the Australian division.

Mr Cartwright has over 22 years’ experience in the staffing industry, having recently worked for Randstad PTY Ltd where he was group director with divisional responsibility for healthcare and other recruitment specialisations across Australia and New Zealand.

HCL needed extra capital funding to keep the business afloat with the firm last week announcing its acquisition by Angel Acquisitions, a newly incorporated company formed for the purpose of making and implementing a cash offer to the company. The firm is also likely to delist from the stock market.