Slay is to take over from acting chief executive Jesper Friis on 1 March. His most recent role at Diageo was managing director, Northern Europe, between 2009 and 2011. He has also worked for PepsiCo and Walkers Snack Foods.
Friis, senior vice president for Carlsberg Western Europe, said: “We are really pleased that Benet is joining us. He has an extensive knowledge of our industry; a deep-rooted understanding of both on and off-trade dynamics; has an excellent track record in delivering customer and consumer-led strategies; and has launched many successful innovations.
“He is also passionate about managing and motivating people and has been personally involved in a series of important responsibility initiatives on behalf of Drinkaware, Portman Group and the British Beer and Pub Association.
“I am confident that Benet will be a great asset both to the UK business and to the wider Carlsberg Group.”
Slay said: “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to work with such a customer focused team and such a well-known portfolio of brands in the UK. Carlsberg UK is an important part of the Group’s business and I look forward to building on the momentum the team in the UK have achieved in the last few years.”
Carlsberg UK’s former chief executive Issac Sheps left his role in December 2011 to head Baltika Breweries, the business Carlsberg operates in Russia.