VIDEO: Leah Talactac succeeds Torstein Hagen as Viking CEO

Written by Nick Blenkey

orstein Hagen and Leah Talactac [Screengrab from YouTube video]

Viking Holdings Ltd (NYSE: VIK) has appointed Leah Talactac, president and CFO, as chief executive officer. Torstein Hagen, chairman and CEO, has been appointed executive chairman and will continue to serve as board chairman. The company also reported that Linh Banh, executive vice president of finance, has been appointed as CFO.

The company notes that, since joining Viking in 2006, Talactac has been a key leader on the executive team. Alongside 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.

As executive chairman, Hagen will focus on long term strategy and continue to support 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. “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.”

“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. 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.”

FIRST QUARTER RESULTS

The leadership transition came as Viking reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2026, and provided an update on operating capacity and bookin

Key highlights:

Total revenue was $1,053.7 million for the first quarter of 2026, an increase of 17.5% compared to the same period in 2025.
Gross margin increased 21.2% and Adjusted Gross Margin increased 16.9% compared to the same period in 2025.
Net yield was $596, an increase of 9.5% compared to the same period in 2025.
Adjusted EBITDA was $104.8 million, an increase of 43.9% compared to the same period in 2025.
Diluted EPS was $(0.12) and Adjusted EPS was $(0.11).
Net leverage improved from 1.1x as of December 31, 2025 to 1.0x as of March 31, 2026.