Islay is a Scot from the island of Islay and is currently the MD of Coca-Cola Canners of S.A. (Pty) Ltd. He is a qualified distiller, brewer and engineer. In his career he has worked for Suntory Corp., Lonrho Ltd., SABMiller and The Coca-Cola Company. He has held various positions in the Coca-Cola System with Bottlers and as a Company associate. During his 15-year career with The Coca-Cola Company, Islay has worked in eight countries in Africa and served as both Business Unit Manager and as a Bottler CEO. He is currently doubling up as General Manager for Franchise.

Islay holds a BSc degree in Business and Management Studies from Bradford University, and an MBA from Strathclyde University. He is married and has two sons. He is also a Life Member of the Society for International Development.