EGBA appoints Pierre Tournier as interim Secretary General

27.08.2026

Maarten Haijer to step down after 13 years as Secretary General of EGBA, having helped to shape the transformation of Europe’s online gambling market. Pierre Tournier steps up as interim Secretary General. 

Brussels, 27 August 2026 – The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) today announced that Maarten Haijer is stepping down as Secretary General after nearly two decades with EGBA. Pierre Tournier, Senior Director at EGBA and a 15-year veteran of the sector, has been appointed the association’s interim Secretary General, effective from 1 September 2026.

Haijer joined EGBA in 2008 as Director of Regulatory Affairs and became Secretary General in 2013. Under his leadership, EGBA became a leading industry voice within Europe’s online gambling sector, deepened its engagement with EU and national institutions and led the case for safe, well-regulated, and competitive multi-licensed markets across the continent. During this time, EGBA helped open several markets to regulated competition and established its flagship annual European Safer Gambling Week initiative.

Maarten 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.”

Pierre Tournier brings over 15 years of advocacy experience across multiple roles and jurisdictions in the sector, having previously held senior positions at the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and the Remote Gambling Association (RGA). Since joining EGBA in November 2025, he has led several of the association’s strategic initiatives, including coordination with national and international trade bodies and its response to Europe’s growing illegal online gambling market. As interim Secretary General, he will lead the association’s work across the issues shaping 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.”

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