EGBA Names Pierre Tournier as Interim Secretary General Following Haijer’s Departure

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) confirmed the appointment of Pierre Tournier as interim Secretary General, effective 1 September 2026, following the departure of Maarten Haijer after thirteen years leading the organisation. Tournier, who joined EGBA as Senior Director in November 2025, brings a breadth of sector experience to the interim role.

Leadership Transition at EGBA: Timeline and Roles

Maarten Haijer is stepping down from EGBA after serving nearly two decades, including thirteen years as Secretary General and earlier as Director of Regulatory Affairs. His tenure saw EGBA strengthen its status as a primary industry voice in European online gambling and deepen engagement with both EU and national institutions. Haijer played a pivotal role in shaping regulated, multi-licensed markets and championed initiatives for safer play, such as European Safer Gambling Week.

“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,” Maarten Haijer said in his departure statement.

Pierre Tournier, formerly of the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and Remote Gambling Association (RGA), will now direct the association’s policy and advocacy activities as interim Secretary General until a permanent successor is confirmed.

Pierre Tournier’s Regulatory and Advocacy Background

Tournier brings over 15 years of regulatory and advocacy expertise to the position. Before joining EGBA, he held senior roles with the BGC and RGA, contributing to cross-jurisdictional policy development and sector engagement. At EGBA, he has led several strategic projects, spanning coordination with national and international trade associations and shaping the body’s response to the illegal online gambling market in Europe.

Tournier’s mandate now includes oversight of the association’s key regulatory debates, the ongoing fight against unlicensed operators, and advocacy for robust industry standards.

"These are big shoes to fill, and I am deeply honoured by the confidence both he and our members have shown in me. ... 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,” Pierre Tournier commented upon his appointment.

EGBA Under Haijer: Market Engagement and Safer Gambling

During Haijer’s leadership, EGBA expanded its engagement with EU and national authorities. The association contributed to opening regulated markets and prioritised multi-licensing structures intended to balance competition with consumer protection.

Among its flagship activities, EGBA established the annual European Safer Gambling Week, now a recognised event within the European iGaming calendar. This initiative aims to foster knowledge-sharing, raise awareness of responsible gambling tools and standards, and encourage coordination between operators and regulators (see more on regulatory initiatives).

Immediate Policy Priorities for EGBA and Tournier

Tournier’s appointment comes as Europe’s regulated online gambling sector faces an evolving regulatory landscape:

• National and EU institutions are reviewing frameworks to respond to technological changes and cross-border issues.
• The illegal online gambling market is identified as a pressing challenge for both regulators and licensed operators.
• EGBA is expected to continue advocating for regulatory convergence, higher consumer protection standards, and multi-licensing regimes across member states.

Tournier’s prior experience managing international policy and trade association coordination positions him to lead on these issues.

Next Steps and Succession Planning

EGBA has not announced a permanent Secretary General. Tournier will serve in the interim post from 1 September 2026. Haijer, whose future plans remain undisclosed, leaves the association with established foundations in regulatory affairs, market advocacy, and safer gambling policy.

Reflections and Sector Implications

The transition marks the end of a long period of continuity at EGBA. Tournier’s appointment as interim Secretary General reflects an emphasis on maintaining advocacy consistency, focused on combating the unlicensed market and supporting regulatory best practices for the online gambling sector.

For stakeholders monitoring European gambling policy, the EGBA’s leadership change signals sustained focus on regulatory standards and consumer protection as key themes for industry debate and collaboration.