While announcing its Q1 2026 earnings, Viking revealed that it has appointed Leah Talactac as CEO, with founder Torstein Hagen moving to an executive chairman role.
Talactac has been with Viking since 2006 and previously served as president and chief financial officer. She led Viking’s initial public offering in 2024.
“This leadership transition reflects the strength and depth of Viking’s management team and the succession planning we have built over many years,” said Torstein Hagen in a statement. “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.”
Hagen will continue to support Talactac in her role as CEO, and will focus on the long-term strategy of the successful river, ocean, and expedition line.
“I am honored by this appointment and deeply grateful for the trust of the Board and Tor,” said 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.”
Viking also announced that Linh Banh, currently executive vice president of finance, has been appointed as the company’s CFO.
The company reported positive earnings, with a 17.5% increase in total revenue for the same period year-on-year. Adjusted EBITDA rose 43.9% year-on-year, at $104.8 million. Talactac revealed that Viking is 38% booked for the 2027 cruise year, with capacity for the company’s core products increasing by 15%.
Talactac’s appointment also shows the line’s subtle leadership transition. Hagen, 83, remains the driving force behind the business, but appointing Talactac as CEO and Linh Banh as CFO indicates that Viking’s enigmatic founder is slowly but surely lining up a succession plan of trusted lieutenants to guide the line well into the future.