Viking Names New CEO, Torstein Hagen Transitions to Executive Chairman

Viking has named Leah Talactac as CEO, effective immediately. She retains her president role as well, while Viking founder Torstein Hagen has transitioned to executive chairman.

Hagen will continue to serve as Chairman of Viking’s Board of Directors and will focus on long term strategy for the brand. The cruise line also appointed a new chief financial officer, taking over for Talactac who, since January 2025, has served as president and CFO.

All of the appointments were announced during Viking’s 2026 first quarter financial report.

“This leadership transition reflects the strength and depth of Viking’s management team and the succession planning we have built over many years,” Hagen said.

“Leah’s appointment as CEO is a natural next step, and the Board and I have full confidence in her ability to lead Viking with the same continuity, discipline and vision that have guided us since Viking was founded. On behalf of the entire Viking family, we congratulate Leah, and I look forward to partnering closely with her and the Board as she guides Viking forward in this next chapter.”

Talactac joined Viking in 2006 and has been a member of the executive team ever since. Alongside Hagen, she led Viking’s IPO in 2024, which was the largest of the year on the New York Stock Exchange. She was appointed as president in January 2025.

Starting immediately, she will report directly to the Board of Directors and will continue to lead Viking’s executive committee.

“I am honored by this appointment and deeply grateful for the trust of the Board and Tor,” Talactac said. “Tor and our entire executive team have built a phenomenal company over the last 29 years, and I am delighted to lead Viking as we continue to deliver meaningful experiences for our guests and execute our long-term strategy.”

Viking also reported that 2026 is “off to a strong start.”

“Total revenue for the quarter grew 17.5% driving a 43.9% year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA, underscoring the demand for our product and our operational discipline,” Hagen said. “Moreover, we are already 92% booked for 2026 which positions us very well for the remainder of the year. During the quarter, we also continued to make progress increasing our fleet and destination-focused offerings, further enhancing the experiences and value we offer our guests. As we look ahead, we remain focused on delivering on the strong demand while continuing to invest in our future and generate sustainable, profitable growth.”

Additionally, as of May 11, 2026, Viking had sold 38% of its Capacity PCDs for the 2027 season. Advance bookings were 13% and 31% higher in comparison to the 2025 and 2026 seasons, respectively, at the same point in time.