Carl Holst is a Danish politician, representing the liberal party Venstre. He is the first Region Mayor of Region of Southern Denmark, an office he assumed on 1 January 2007. He served as County Mayor of South Jutland County from 1 July 2000, following the unexpected resignation of the former county mayor, Kresten Philipsen. Holst was re-elected in 2001, and served in this capacity until 31 December 2006, when the Danish counties were abolished.