EGBA names Pierre Tournier Interim Secretary General after Maarten Haijer’s departure

• Maarten Haijer is stepping down as Secretary General of EGBA after 13 years in the role, effective 1 September 2026.
• Pierre Tournier, a Senior Director at EGBA with over 15 years of sector experience, becomes interim Secretary General.
• Tournier previously held senior roles at the Betting and Gaming Council and the Remote Gambling Association before joining EGBA in November 2025.

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) announced on 27 August 2026 that Maarten Haijer is stepping down as Secretary General after nearly two decades with the Brussels-based trade body.

Pierre Tournier, EGBA’s Senior Director, has been appointed interim Secretary General, effective 1 September 2026.

A 13-year tenure

Haijer joined EGBA in 2008 as Director of Regulatory Affairs, becoming Secretary General in 2013. Under his leadership, EGBA grew into one of Europe’s leading gambling industry voices, deepening engagement with EU and national institutions.

The association credits his tenure with helping open several European markets to regulated competition. He also established the annual European Safer Gambling Week initiative, now a fixture of the sector’s calendar.

Maarten Haijer, outgoing Secretary General of EGBA, 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.”

Tournier’s mandate

Tournier brings more than 15 years of advocacy experience across multiple roles and jurisdictions in the gambling sector. He 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 strategic initiatives, including coordination with national and international trade bodies and the association’s response to Europe’s growing illegal online gambling market.

Pierre Tournier, interim Secretary General of EGBA, 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.”

Pressure points ahead

EGBA represents online gambling operators licensed across the EU, collectively holding more than 400 licences across 22 European countries and accounting for roughly 30% of the region’s online gambling gross gaming revenue.

Tournier inherits an active enforcement agenda. In July 2026, EGBA filed a formal complaint with the Bank of Lithuania against a payment provider it accused of processing transactions linked to illegal gambling operators, part of a wider push to cut off the payment channels sustaining the black market.

The length of Tournier’s interim mandate, and EGBA’s eventual choice of permanent successor, will shape how much continuity the association can offer through that fight.