Pierre Tournier Named Interim EGBA Secretary General As Maarten Haijer Steps Down
Tournier will take charge of the European gambling trade association from 1 September following Haijer’s 13 years at the helm.
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has appointed Pierre Tournier as interim secretary general, with Maarten Haijer stepping down after 13 years leading the organisation.
Tournier, currently a senior director at EGBA, will assume the position from 1 September. His appointment brings an end to Haijer’s long tenure at the head of the association, during which EGBA said he played a significant role in its development alongside the transformation of Europe’s regulated online gambling sector.
Haijer Ends 18-Year Association With EGBA
Haijer first joined EGBA as Director of Regulatory Affairs in 2008 before being appointed secretary general in 2013. During his time with the association, Europe's online gambling industry developed from an emerging digital sector into a market featuring major international operators licensed across multiple jurisdictions.
Reflecting on his departure, 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.
“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.”
Tournier To Lead EGBA On Interim Basis
Tournier brings more than 15 years of gambling industry advocacy experience to the position, having previously worked with the Betting and Gaming Council in the UK and its predecessor, the Remote Gambling Association.
He joined EGBA in November 2025 and has since been involved in a number of the organisation's strategic initiatives. As interim secretary general, Tournier identified the growth of illegal gambling in Europe as one of the principal issues facing both consumers and licensed operators.
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 – combatting 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.”
