Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO of Viking Holdings, is stepping down from his position. His successor at the helm of the cruise company will be Leah Talactac.
Hagen will continue to serve Viking as Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board of Directors. The company also announced that Linh Banh, Executive Vice President of Finance, has been named Talactac’s successor as CFO.
Talactac has been with Viking since 2006. Together with Hagen, she led the company’s IPO in 2024 and was appointed President of Viking the following year, retaining her responsibilities as CFO.
In future, she will report directly to the Board of Directors and will also continue to chair Viking’s Executive Committee. As Executive Chairman, long-time CEO Hagen will focus on long-term strategy and support Ms. Talactac in her new role, Viking announced.
“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 of the appointment. “Leah’s appointment as CEO is a logical next step; the Board of Directors and I have full confidence in her ability to lead Viking with the same continuity, discipline and vision that have guided us since Viking’s inception. On behalf of the entire Viking family, we congratulate Leah, and I look forward to working closely with her and the Board as she leads Viking into this next chapter.”
“I am honored by this appointment and deeply grateful to the Board of Directors and Tor for their confidence,” said Talactac. “Tor and our entire leadership team have built a phenomenal company over the past 29 years. I am excited to lead Viking as we continue to deliver memorable experiences to our guests and execute our long-term strategy. I would also like to take a moment to congratulate Linh on her new appointment as CFO. Linh is a valued leader within Viking and her expert financial leadership will ensure a smooth transition.”
Strong first quarter for Viking
To coincide with the CEO succession announcement, Viking also released its first quarter financial results. Total revenues amounted to approximately $1.058 billion, an increase of 17.5% compared to the same period last year. EBITDA reached $104.8 million, a significant increase of 43.9% compared to the first quarter of 2025. Net revenue per passenger amounted to $596, also an increase of 9.5%.
“2026 is off to a strong start and we are very pleased with our first quarter results,” said Hagen. “In addition, we are already 92% booked for 2026, which puts us in a very good position for the rest of the year. During the quarter, we also made further progress in expanding our fleet and our destination-focused offerings, further enhancing the experience and added value for our guests. Looking ahead, we remain focused on meeting strong demand while investing in our future and generating sustainable, profitable growth.”
The fleet expansion mentioned above is being realized in cooperation with the Italian shipbuilding company Fincantieri, with whom Viking has been working for several years. Two newbuildings – sister ships to the “Viking Octantis” and “Viking Polaris ” – will be built at the shipyard in Palermo. In addition, Viking and Fincantieri have signed an option agreement for two further ships. Delivery of the two new expedition ships is scheduled for 2030 and 2031, and the order is worth over $2 billion.
