European Gaming and Betting Association names Pierre Tournier as interim secretary general
Maarten Haijer to step down after 13 years at the helm of the online gambling trade association.
Belgium.- The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has announced that Maarten Haijer is stepping down as Secretary General after 13 years in the position and nearly two decades with the online gaming trade association. Pierre Tournier, currently Senior Director at EGBA, has been appointed as interim Secretary General, effective from September 1.
Haijer joined EGBA in 2008 as Director of Regulatory Affairs and became Secretary General in 2013. Under his leadership, EGBA’s membership has grown as it championed initiatives to strengthen standards and increase engagement with EU and national institutions. Haijer, who previously worked in the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and then the internal market and consumer protection counsellor at the Netherlands permanent representation to the EU, put a strong emphasis on the case for safe, well-regulated, and competitive multi-licensed markets across the continent.
The EGBA noted that during Haijer’s tenure, the EGBA “helped open several markets to regulated competition” and established its flagship annual European Safer Gambling Week initiative.
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.”
Tournier brings over 15 years of advocacy experience across multiple roles and jurisdictions in the sector, having previously held senior positions at the UK’s Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and the Remote Gambling Association (RGA). He began his career in public affairs as a consultant at Policy Action/Instinctif Partners, a Brussels-based consultancy. He holds an LLM in European Law from University College Dublin (UCD), as well as a BA and MA in Law from the University of Toulouse (Capitole).
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.
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.”
