Maarten Haijer to step down after 13 years as Secretary General of EGBA, having helped shape the transformation of Europe’s online gambling market. Pierre Tournier steps up as interim Secretary General.

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has announced that Maarten Haijer will step down as Secretary General after nearly two decades with the association. Pierre Tournier, Senior Director at EGBA and a 15-year veteran of the sector, has been appointed interim Secretary General, effective 1 September 2026.

Haijer joined EGBA in 2008 as Director of Regulatory Affairs and became Secretary General in 2013. During his tenure, EGBA strengthened its position as one of the leading voices in Europe’s online gambling sector, deepening its engagement with European and national institutions and advocating for safe, well-regulated, competitive and multi-licensed markets.

During this period, EGBA helped open several markets to regulated competition and established initiatives such as European Safer Gambling Week, its annual programme dedicated to safer and more responsible gambling.

Maarten Haijer commented: “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.”

Haijer added that he leaves the association in a strong position and in capable hands, expressing confidence that Pierre Tournier and the EGBA team will build on the momentum achieved in recent years.

Pierre Tournier brings more than 15 years of advocacy and regulatory experience across the sector, having previously held senior positions at the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and the Remote Gambling Association (RGA).

Since joining EGBA in November 2025, Tournier has led several of the association’s strategic initiatives, including coordination with national and international trade bodies and its response to the growth of Europe’s illegal online gambling market.

As interim Secretary General, he will lead EGBA’s work on the key challenges facing Europe’s regulated online gambling sector.

Pierre 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.”

Tournier highlighted that he is taking on the role at a pivotal moment for the sector, with Europe’s regulatory landscape evolving rapidly and the illegal online gambling market continuing to grow.

“Combating the illegal market 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,” he concluded.