Mikael Backman appointed as Managing Director and CEO of Viking Line

7 May 2009

The Board of Directors of the Finnish shipping company Viking Line Abp has appointed Mikael Backman as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. Mikael Backman (age 43) holds a Master of Science (Computer Science) degree from the Helsinki University of Technology. He will take up his new position in February 2010 at the Annual General Meeting of the company when Nils-Erik Eklund, who has held the position for 20 years, will step down according to previous announcement. Mikael Backman will move from Florida to Mariehamn, the Åland Islands, and join Viking Line during the summer of 2009.

Mikael Backman has a long and extensive experience in leading positions within the international shipping industry. He has held several positions serving the world`s second largest cruise company Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd in 1995-2008. He started his career within the shipping industry with Silja Line Oy in 1993 as Manager, responsible for Safety & Quality Management Systems. In 1995 he joined Royal Caribbean in Miami, USA, as Quality Assurance Manager and rose steadily through the ranks holding several senior management positions. Prior to his appointment Mikael Backman served as Vice President of Marine Operations for Royal Caribbean International, where he was responsible for the Deck and Engine Departments and the safe operation of a fleet of 21 cruise vessels deployed worldwide.

”We are extremely pleased to appoint as Managing Director of Viking Line a true international cruise business professional like Mikael Backman. Viking Line is heading into a dynamic development phase where his experience and knowledge will give a valuable input. We believe that he has excellent qualifications to succesfully steer the company in future challenges” says Ben Lundqvist, Chairman of the Board of Viking Line Abp.

”I look forward to coming home and to the opportunity to bring my experience from the international cruise business to Viking Line and its personnel” , says Mikael Backman.

Nils-Erik Eklund , who has served 20 years as Managing Director of Viking Line plans, after stepping down in February 2010 to focus on projects in the field of renewable energy sources. Deputy Managing Director Jan Hanses will continue to act as the stand-in for the Managing Director of Viking Line Abp.

Viking Line Abp

More information: Ben Lundqvist, Phone: + 358 18 26 050