Leah Talactac named CEO of Viking; Torstein Hagen transitions to executive chairman

Viking Holdings has appointed Leah Talactac as its new CEO, while company founder, Torstein Hagen, transitions to executive chairman.

The company also announced that Linh Banh, executive vice president of finance, has been appointed as CFO.

Since joining Viking in 2006, Talactac has been a key leader on the executive team. Alongside Mr. Hagen, she led Viking’s initial public offering in 2024, which was the largest offering on the NYSE that year, and she was appointed president in January 2025 while retaining her responsibilities as CFO.

Effectively immediately, Talactac will report to the Board of Directors and continue to lead Viking’s executive committee.

As Executive Chairman, Mr. Hagen will focus on long term strategy and continue to support Ms. Talactac in her role as CEO.

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

“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.”

In a statement, Talactac said she is “honoured” by the appointment and “deeply grateful for the trust of the Board and Tor.”

“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,” she said. “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.”

Q1 financial results 

The news comes as Viking releases its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026.

Total revenue was $1,053.7 million for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 17.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2025.

Net loss for the first quarter of 2026 improved to $54.2 million compared to a loss of $105.5 million for the same period in 2025.

Adjusted Net Loss attributable to Viking Holdings Ltd for the first quarter of 2026 improved to $49.2 million compared to a loss of $105.5 million for the same period in 2025.

As of May 3, for its core products, Viking had sold 92 per cent of its capacity passenger cruise Days for the 2026 season and 38 per cent of capacity for the 2027 season.

“2026 is off to a strong start and we are very pleased with our first‑quarter results. Total revenue for the quarter grew 17.5 per cent driving a 43.9 per cent year-over-year increase in Adjusted EBITDA, underscoring the demand for our product and our operational discipline,” said Hagen.

“Moreover, we are already 92 per cent 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.”

More capacity

Since Q4 of 2025, Viking took delivery of the Viking Eldir, a river vessel that operates in Europe.

Additionally, the company announced it would build two additional river vessels to operate in Egypt scheduled for delivery in 2028, and acquired the Viking Yidun, an ocean ship, from China Merchants Viking Cruises Limited.

Based on the committed orderbook, the company expects to take delivery of two ocean ships and nine river vessels during the remainder of 2026.

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