Viking announced on May 16 that Leah Talactac has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, while founder Torstein Hagen will transition to the role of Executive Chairman. The change marks a significant leadership transition for the cruise company, which has grown into a major player in river, ocean, and expedition cruising.
The move is seen as important by many in the travel advisor community because it represents continuity at Viking after years of expansion and operational growth. Talactac joined Viking in 2006 and most recently served as President and Chief Financial Officer before her promotion to CEO. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Southern California’s Leventhal School of Accounting and previously worked at Ernst & Young in Los Angeles.
“Leah Talactac represents continuity, discipline, and deep institutional knowledge,” said Heather Viking, 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.”
Hagen founded Viking in 1997 with four river ships operating in Russia. Under his leadership, Viking expanded into ocean cruises in 2015, launched expedition cruises in 2022, became publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange by 2024, and now operates more than 100 ships exploring rivers across five oceans on all seven continents. As Executive Chairman he will remain involved with long-term strategy.
Travel advisors have responded positively to news of Talactac’s appointment. “For advisors, leadership stability matters,” Heather Viking said. She added that recent meetings within the advisor network showed strong confidence: “There is real excitement throughout the advisor side of the business right now…advisors feel very connected to the company’s leadership and direction.” According to Heather Viking: “Torstein Hagen built Viking’s vision. Leah Talactac brings deep experience and continuity. Advisors see Viking in capable hands for its next chapter.”
Public materials indicate Karine Hagen continues as Director and Executive Vice President for Product at Viking since its inception.
Heather Viking concluded that this transition gives both travelers and advisors confidence about future growth: “This appears to be a stable and confidence-building transition…It almost feels like a champagne-toast moment for the next era of Viking.” She encouraged travelers considering future voyages to begin planning conversations with experienced advisors.