Early Life
Torstein Hagen was born in Nittedal, Norway, in 1943. He pursued higher education in physics at the Norwegian Institute of Technology and later earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 1968.
Rise to Success
Hagen's career began with McKinsey & Company, where he consulted on shipping and cruise industries. He played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Holland America Line in 1974. He also served as CEO of Bergen Steamship Company and Royal Viking Line. In 1997, at the age of 54, Hagen founded Viking River Cruises with four river ships, focusing on culturally immersive experiences for English-speaking travelers over 55. Viking Cruises expanded to include ocean cruises in 2015 and expedition voyages, with the company going public in May 2024.
Key Business Strategies
Hagen's key strategies include focusing on the wealthy and intellectually curious, providing a customer-centric product, and avoiding nickel-and-diming. Viking Cruises differentiates itself by offering destination-focused travel without children or casinos.
Philanthropy
Specific philanthropy amounts are not readily available in the search results.