Viking Holdings Ltd., a global leader in luxury river and ocean cruising, has announced the appointment of Leah Talactac as President, effective immediately. A seasoned financial strategist with nearly two decades at Viking, Talactac will continue as Chief Financial Officer while assuming the presidency, marking a pivotal moment in the company’s evolution. She will report directly to Torstein Hagen, Chairman and CEO, and the Board of Directors.
A Proven Leader Stepping into a Pivotal Role
Talactac has been integral to Viking’s executive team since joining the company in 2006. Her tenure has been marked by exceptional financial oversight, culminating in Viking’s historic 2024 IPO, the most extensive public offering of the year on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Under her leadership, Viking has maintained its strong financial health, paving the way for continued strategic growth and expansion.
In a statement, Torstein Hagen, Viking’s Chairman and CEO, expressed his confidence in Talactac’s leadership:
“On behalf of the entire Viking family, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Leah on her appointment as President. Since joining Viking, she has played a critical role in our success. Her deep expertise and financial acumen make her the ideal leader to guide Viking into its next exciting chapter.”
Massive Fleet Expansion Set to Redefine Luxury Cruising
Viking has also unveiled an ambitious fleet expansion plan as part of its commitment to sustainable growth and industry leadership. The company has placed orders for eight new river ships, scheduled for delivery between 2027 and 2028. These vessels will join Viking’s already robust expansion pipeline, which includes:
- 16 river ships set to launch by 2026.
- Nine new ocean ships are expected by 2030.
- A projected fleet of 107 river ships and 21 ocean and expedition vessels by the decade’s end.
This aggressive expansion solidifies Viking’s position as the premier provider of immersive, luxury travel experiences while responding to the increasing global demand for high-end river and ocean voyages.
Charting the Future of Experiential Travel
Viking’s growth strategy is deeply rooted in its commitment to innovation, sustainability, and guest-centric experiences. The company continues to set industry benchmarks with its award-winning ships, exceptional service, and culturally enriching itineraries.
As Viking enters this new era under Talactac’s leadership, the brand remains steadfast in its mission to deliver “The Thinking Person’s Cruise”—a philosophy that has redefined modern luxury travel.
With Leah Talactac at the helm as President and Viking’s fleet expansion in full motion, the company is not just navigating the future of cruising but leading the industry into a bold new horizon.
For more details on Viking’s expansion plans and future itineraries, visit www.viking.com.
Written by: Sandra Jones