The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has appointed Pierre Tournier as interim secretary general, effective September 1, 2026, as Maarten Haijer prepares to leave the Brussels-based trade body after nearly two decades with the organization.
Tournier, who joined EGBA as senior director in November 2025, has more than 15 years of advocacy and industry experience across multiple roles and jurisdictions. Before joining EGBA, he served as international director at the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and as director of government relations at the Remote Gambling Association (RGA).
Since joining the association, Tournier has led several strategic initiatives, including coordination with national and international trade bodies and EGBA’s response to the growth of illegal online gambling in Europe. As interim secretary general, he will oversee the association’s work on issues affecting Europe’s regulated online gambling sector.
Pierre Tournier said: “I would like to pay tribute to Maarten for his outstanding work. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy, and his name will always be synonymous with EGBA. These are big shoes to fill, and I am deeply honoured by the confidence both he and our members have shown in me.”
“I take on the role at a pivotal moment: Europe’s regulatory landscape is evolving quickly, and the growth of the illegal market remains the biggest threat to players and to the regulated sector alike – combating it will be central to our work. Alongside this, we will continue our mission to drive high industry standards, promote regulatory best practices, and lead the debates that will shape our industry’s future.”
Haijer joined EGBA in 2008 as director of regulatory affairs and became secretary general in 2013. During his tenure, the association expanded its engagement with European Union institutions and national regulators.
Maarten Haijer
EGBA also advocated for safe, well-regulated and competitive multi-licensed markets across Europe during the period, helped open several markets to regulated competition and established the annual European Safer Gambling Week initiative.
During Haijer’s leadership, EGBA also publicly addressed Iceland’s move to scrap its gambling monopoly and confirmed that an update to its anti-money laundering guidelines would be published this year.
Haijer said the European gambling industry had changed substantially during his time at the organization, while noting that challenges remained.
Haijer said: “It has been a privilege to lead EGBA and to work alongside our members, colleagues, partners, regulators and policymakers towards the common objective of a safe and sustainable online gambling sector in Europe. The European sector has changed almost beyond recognition during my time at EGBA – from pioneering start-ups to world-leading digital entertainment providers, with licences across the globe.”
“We have achieved a great deal together, moving the industry forward and helping shape an environment that works far better for players as well, though important challenges remain. I leave the association in a strong position and in very capable hands, and I am confident Pierre and the team will build on the momentum of recent years. I will make an announcement about my future shortly.”
EGBA credited Haijer with expanding the organization’s role in discussions involving European and national institutions during his tenure.