EGBA Names Pierre Tournier as Interim Secretary General After Haijer Steps Down

Pierre Tournier has been appointed interim Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), effective 1 September 2026, following the departure of Maarten Haijer after nearly twenty years with the organisation. EGBA confirmed the leadership transition on 31 August, citing Tournier’s sector experience and prior senior roles as key factors in the decision.

EGBA Leadership Transition: Pierre Tournier Takes Interim Charge

The European Gaming and Betting Association announced that Maarten Haijer would depart his long-held Secretary General post at the end of August 2026. Haijer began at EGBA in 2008 as Director of Regulatory Affairs before assuming the Secretary General role in 2013. His tenure saw EGBA become a prominent advocate for the continent’s regulated online gambling industry and a recognised voice within European Union and national regulatory circles. Tournier, previously EGBA Senior Director, steps into the interim role as the association evaluates its long-term leadership structure.

"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... 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," said Maarten Haijer.

Maarten Haijer’s Legacy and EGBA’s Evolving Role in European Online Gambling

Haijer’s departure marks the end of an era in which EGBA developed a reputation as Europe’s primary online gambling industry association. During his leadership, EGBA intensified collaboration with both EU and national regulatory bodies. Regulatory engagement resulted in the opening of several European markets to legal competition and the creation of the flagship annual European Safer Gambling Week initiative, which underscores the organisation’s focus on responsible gaming.

Haijer highlighted the transformation of the sector, citing its journey from early-stage start-ups to international digital entertainment providers holding global licenses. He pointed to progress on player protection and market stability achieved under EGBA’s initiatives, while acknowledging that significant industry challenges remain, notably those posed by unregulated markets.

Pierre Tournier’s Industry Background and Priorities as Interim Secretary General

Tournier brings over 15 years of advocacy experience across major industry organisations and jurisdictions, including senior roles at the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and Remote Gambling Association (RGA). He joined EGBA in November 2025, leading strategic projects, multi-jurisdictional advocacy, and coordination with international trade bodies. A major focus has been EGBA’s response to the proliferation of illegal online gambling across Europe.

"I would like to pay tribute to Maarten for his outstanding work... 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," said Pierre Tournier.

As interim Secretary General, Tournier will direct EGBA’s engagement on regulatory developments and illicit market threats. He is expected to maintain EGBA’s agenda in supporting safe, competitive, and multi-licensed online gambling environments.

The Focus: Combating Illegal Markets and Advancing Regulatory Best Practice

Tournier assumes leadership at a time of rapid regulatory change across European markets. He described the rise of the illegal online market as the chief challenge facing both consumers and the regulated sector. Under his stewardship, EGBA’s priorities will include:

• Intensifying action against unlicensed gambling operators
• Promoting harmonisation of regulatory and player protection standards
• Driving industry debates that define best practice across Europe

EGBA’s ongoing collaboration with regulators and policymakers will underpin its initiatives in both market stability and responsible gambling.

EGBA’s Recent Activity and Haijer’s Future

Since 2025, EGBA has expanded coordination with trade associations and advanced measures to address the illegal gambling threat. Haijer has not yet announced his future plans but indicated an intention to do so in due course.

The interim appointment provides EGBA with continuity as it navigates both short-term regulatory challenges and the longer-term process of selecting a permanent successor.

Outlook for Stakeholders

EGBA’s transition comes as the regulated online gambling sector in Europe evolves further, shaped by tightening consumer protection mandates and growing inter-jurisdictional cooperation. Tournier’s stewardship is expected to focus on upholding established frameworks, reinforcing regulatory alignment, and sustaining dialogue with sector partners, as acknowledged by both the outgoing and incoming leadership.