Torstein Hagen is a Norwegian businessman, the self-made billionaire Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Viking Cruises (river and ocean cruising). His career is rooted in shipping, management consulting, and entrepreneurial audacity.

Hagen holds a degree in Engineering from the Norwegian Institute of Technology and an MBA from Harvard Business School (HBS) (1968). His philosophical approach centers on scale, disruption (pioneering cultural and destination-focused cruising), and long-term asset hold in the essential tourism and hospitality sectors. He founded Viking Cruises in 1997, recognizing the immense, untapped global demand for affordable, sophisticated river cruising.

• Viking Cruises (Founder & CEO): The core private asset, a global leader in river and ocean cruising (known for its focus on destination immersion and cultural enrichment).
• Hospitality Pioneer: His success is built on scale management and dominating the niche market for affordable, high-end cultural cruising.
• Academic Background: He holds an MBA from HBS and an Engineering degree.
• Investment Strategy: His philosophy is rooted in long-term investment in maritime assets and hospitality IP.

Torstein Hagen's strategic genius was his commitment to specialization. He worked as a consultant at McKinsey & Company and led a Norwegian shipping company before founding Viking Cruises in 1997 (starting with just four river ships). His structural contribution is immense: pioneering the modern river cruising model and successfully translating that focus to ocean cruising (launching Viking Ocean Cruises). His commitment to destination-focused travel transformed the industry.

He remains Chairman and CEO, guiding the company's continuous expansion and technological modernization. His wealth is secured by the colossal, long-term, stable profitability of the global tourism, cruising, and hospitality sectors.

Torstein Hagen's social impact stems from Viking Cruises' role in providing high-quality tourism and hospitality employment globally. His company's commitment to cultural enrichment through travel promotes global understanding. His personal philanthropy supports various community and educational initiatives, often focused on maritime education and cultural programs.

His personal philanthropy supports various community and educational initiatives.

Torstein Hagen maintains the professional, composed style of a corporate executive. His attire is consistently formal and high-quality, favoring tailored suits. His aesthetic reflects serious authority and stability, typical of a leader in the global hospitality sector.

Residing in Lucerne, Switzerland, his luxury is the immense security and financial reward derived from his multi-billion dollar fortune. His life is dedicated to corporate governance, strategic investment, and maritime management.