Viking announced today that longtime executive Leah Talactac has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, as founder Torstein Hagen transitions to the role of Executive Chairman.
The leadership change marks a major moment for one of the most influential companies in modern cruising. Hagen, who founded Viking and built it into a global leader across river, ocean, and expedition cruising, will remain involved in long-term strategy as Executive Chairman.
Talactac joined Viking in 2006 and most recently served as President and Chief Financial Officer. Her appointment signals continuity at the top following years of growth, fleet expansion, product development, and Viking’s evolution as a publicly traded company.
“Leah Talactac represents continuity, discipline, and deep institutional knowledge,” said Heather Viking, loyal advisor and founder of The Viking Store™ by Club Cruise™. “She understands the operational side of the business, the financial side, and importantly the advisor and sales relationships that continue driving Viking’s success worldwide.”
Before being named President & CEO, Talactac most recently served as Viking’s President and Chief Financial Officer after previously serving as Chief Financial Officer, helping oversee the company’s financial strategy, operational expansion, and transition into the public markets during a major growth period for the brand.
Leah Talactac holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Southern California’s Leventhal School of Accounting and began her career with Ernst & Young in Los Angeles, focusing on public-company auditing and corporate finance. She joined Viking in 2006 and has spent nearly two decades helping guide the company’s financial strategy, operational growth, fleet expansion, and successful transition into the public markets.
Industry observers widely view her appointment as a continuity-focused leadership transition built on deep institutional knowledge and long-standing experience within the Viking organization. For many advisors like Heather and guests, it is safe to say Viking appears to be in very capable hands as the company moves confidently into its next chapter.
Viking said the move is being viewed positively throughout much of the travel advisor community because Viking’s leadership, sales, and national accounts teams have remained highly engaged with agency partners.
“For advisors, leadership stability matters,” Heather Viking said. “The return of Michele Saegesser as Vice President of Sales and National Accounts, combined with the strength of Viking’s sales and management teams, has created tremendous confidence throughout the advisor community.”
The announcement was made alongside Viking’s first-quarter 2026 financial results, reinforcing the company’s current position of strength. Viking continues to see strong demand across its river, ocean, and expedition products.
Hagen’s impact on the cruise industry remains substantial. Under his leadership, Viking helped define the modern river cruise category, then expanded successfully into ocean and expedition cruising while maintaining a clear focus on destination-rich travel and consistent guest experience.
“Torstein Hagen’s legacy is already one of the great modern cruise industry stories,” Heather Viking added. “He was the founder, builder, and visionary who helped reshape modern cruising. Advisors will certainly miss seeing him as the primary face of the company, but this feels like a thoughtful and well-planned passing of the helm.”
Heather said she confident the Travel Leaders Network where she leads will be very supportive of she remains optimistic about Viking’s future under Talactac’s leadership.
“This is a brand many advisors deeply believe in,” she said. “I look forward to supporting the next chapter of the Viking vision that Tor created and Leah now has the opportunity to carry forward.”
About Viking
Viking (NYSE: VIK) is a global leader in experiential travel with a fleet of more than 100 ships, exploring 21 rivers, five oceans and all seven continents. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Out-going, Chairman and CEO Torstein Hagen often says Viking offers experiences For The Thinking Person™. Viking has more than 450 awards to its name, including being rated #1 for Rivers and #1 for Oceans five years in a row by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2025 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking is also rated a “World’s Best” by Travel + Leisure—no other travel company has simultaneously received such honors by both publications. For additional information, contact Viking at 1-800-2-VIKING (1-800-284-5464) or visit www.viking.com Heather Viking is the founder of the Viking Help Center inside The Viking Store™ by Club Cruise™ 1-800-CLUB-SEA and serves as a Viking Master Advisor specializing in Viking River, Ocean, and Expedition cruise planning. Viking® is a registered trademark. Heather Viking and Club Cruise™ are independent partners.