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Since our founding in 1997, Viking has always been guided by a clear idea that travel can be more destination focused and more meaningful.

When my father Torstein Hagen started Viking, it was a small company with a focused vision.

He recalls those early days as just two guys and two mobile phones.

But even then, he saw an opportunity to create something truly distinctive: Hgh end experiences for curious adult travelers who seek something more meaningful than just a holiday, who want to learn more about the history, art and culture of their destination.

Who want to connect and engage, not simply observe a destination and its people.

Journeys designed for people who want a deeper understanding of the world.

Over the years, it has carried us from rivers, to oceans, to expeditions and beyond.

This idea has shaped every voyage we create and made Viking a household name.

Through each stage of our growth one thing has remained constant our commitment to the care and high standards that define Viking.

In 2024, we reached an important milestone, when Viking became a public company.

It was the proud moment for all of us who have helped build this company, and it spoke to the hard work of Vikings all across our business.

It also underscored the strength of our long-tenured executive team, which has worked closely together for many years.

As part of this team our Chief Financial Officer, Leah Talactac worked alongside my father and helped guide Viking through that defining moment.

One of the most meaningful periods of my own career at Viking was working so closely with Leah in the lead up to the IPO.

A small group of us traveled together on a very intense schedule for our IPO roadshow and though it was a lot of work, we also managed to have quite a bit of fun.

By the close of 2024 Viking had achieved the largest IPO of the year on the New York Stock Exchange.

Then in January 2025, Leah was appointed president in addition to her role as chief financial officer.

That appointment formally recognized the important role Leah had long played in helping guide our company.

Today, Viking begins a new chapter.

Our Board of Directors has appointed Leah Talactac as Chief Executive Officer and my father has been appointed Executive Chairman.

Leah has been an essential part of the Viking family for 20 years.

She's worked closely with my father and with our leadership team through many important moments in our history.

She's helped strengthen our company, guide our growth and shaped the discipline, clarity and long-term thinking that define Viking today.

She has also served as godmother to a Viking longship, one of many ways she's been part of Viking’s story for years.

Her appointment as CEO is the result of thoughtful succession planning, and, just as importantly, a continuation of the steady leadership that has helped shape Viking over time.

Leah knows this company deeply.

She knows our people, our crew, our values and our guests.

And she leads alongside an executive team whose experience, partnership and commitment have been integral to Vikings success.

In his new role, my father will continue to focus on Viking’s long-term vision and to support Leah as she leads the company forward.

Over the years, my father has spoken of four principles that guide us and that he feels, strongly, should not change.

We obsess over our guests We treat our employees like family We take a long term view and we do what is right for the environment.

As we enter this next chapter under Leah's leadership, we remain firmly committed to the values that have always defined Viking, and to our mission of exploring the world in comfort.

To our guests and to our crew and colleagues around the world, this moment is about both continuity and confidence.

The future of Viking will be shaped by the same care and high standards that brought us here, now carried forward by Leah and by the experienced team around her.

With my father continuing to help guide the way as executive chairman.

On behalf of all of us in the Viking family thank you for the trust you place in Viking.

Please join us in congratulating Leah and my father as they step into these new roles and in looking ahead with confidence to all that is still to come.

Onwards.