For nearly three decades, Torstein Hagen has been the undisputed architect of Viking, guiding the brand from a modest four-ship river operation in 1997 into a global luxury powerhouse spanning the world’s rivers, oceans, and furthest expedition reaches. Now, 29 years into that journey, the visionary founder is adjusting his course and passing the day-to-day wheel to a trusted navigator.
Viking Holdings announced Thursday that Leah Talactac, a 20-year veteran of the company who most recently served as president and chief financial officer, has been appointed CEO.
Hagen isn’t stepping away. Rather, he is transitioning to the role of executive chairman. In this new capacity, he will maintain his position as chairman of the board of directors while shifting his focus toward Viking’s long-term strategy, ensuring the brand's distinct vision remains intact as he supports Talactac in her new role. Concurrently, Linh Banh, executive vice president of finance, has been tapped to step into the CFO position.
Talactac has been a notable force behind Viking’s sustained success since joining in 2006. Most notably, she worked lockstep with Hagen to execute Viking’s massive initial public offering in 2024, the largest on the New York Stock Exchange that year, before being elevated to president in early 2025.
“This leadership transition reflects the strength and depth of Viking’s management team and the succession planning we have built over many years,” said Mr. Hagen. “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.”
Talactac, who will now report directly to the board while continuing to lead Viking’s highly experienced executive committee, steps into the role with deep gratitude for the foundation laid before her.
“I am honored by this appointment and deeply grateful for the trust of the Board and Tor,” said Ms. Talactac. “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. I also want to take a moment to congratulate Linh on her new appointment as CFO. Linh is a trusted leader within Viking, and her financial stewardship will ensure a smooth transition.”
A Booming Balance Sheet
Talactac is taking the helm of a ship that is charting incredibly lucrative waters. Coinciding with the leadership announcement, Viking reported its financial results for the first quarter, revealing a brand that is cutting through global economic and geopolitical headwinds.
During the company’s earnings call, Talactac offered a transparent look at the current booking landscape. According to Bloomberg, she noted that while the line did see some softening in demand following the Iran conflict, highly targeted marketing efforts successfully supported forward bookings. Furthermore, she reassured investors that cancellations remain strictly in line with historical trends, with no meaningful spikes tied to current macroeconomic events.
In fact, the metrics point to a brand in peak demand:
Yields are Surging: Net yields, the vital industry metric measuring what a cruise line earns per passenger per sailing day after direct costs, rose by 9.6%, hitting its fastest growth clip since 2024.
Near-Term Scarcity: For advisors looking to place clients this year, space is tight. As of May 3, capacity for the current 2026 season is already 92% sold out.
Looking to 2027: The momentum is compounding. Forward bookings for the 2027 season are currently up a staggering 31%, a massive jump compared to the 11% year-over-year increase seen at this exact point last year.
Higher Spend: Revenue per passenger is up for both the 2026 and 2027 seasons compared to the year prior, proving that Viking's premium "Thinking Person’s Cruise" continues to command a premium price tag.
For the advisor community, Viking’s latest chapter reads as a promise of consistency. With Hagen still driving the overarching vision, Talactac executing the strategy, and demand outpacing the broader industry, Viking appears more than ready for the next 30 years.
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