EGBA Secretary General Maarten Haijer Steps Down After 13 Years
Maarten Haijer is stepping down as Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) after nearly two decades with the Brussels-based trade body, EGBA announced on August 27, 2026. Pierre Tournier, an EGBA Senior Director, has been appointed interim Secretary General effective September 1, 2026.
Tournier brings more than 15 years of advocacy experience across several 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) in the UK.
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 sports betting markets.
As interim Secretary General, Tournier will lead EGBA's work across the issues shaping Europe's regulated online gambling sector.
Haijer's Legacy at EGBA
Haijer joined EGBA in 2008 as Director of Regulatory Affairs and became Secretary General in 2013. Under his leadership, the association became a leading industry voice within Europe's online gambling sector, deepened its engagement with EU and national institutions and made the case for safe, well-regulated and competitive multi-licensed markets across the continent. EGBA said he 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." He added he would "make an announcement" about his future "shortly".
What Tournier Inherits
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." He named the growth of the illegal gambling market as "the biggest threat to players and to the regulated sector alike" and said combating it will be central to his work.
EGBA members collectively hold more than 400 online gambling licences across 22 European countries and account for roughly 30% of Europe's online gambling gross gaming revenue, according to the association. The leadership change comes as EGBA continues to press EU and national regulators on payment blocking and enforcement against unlicensed operators.
Tournier's appointment is interim, and EGBA has not set out a timeline for naming a permanent successor. The transition takes effect from September 1, 2026, meaning Tournier will represent EGBA at the association's usual autumn round of meetings with EU institutions and national regulators.
Anyone tracking the regulatory direction of the European online casino markets should watch EGBA's public statements over the coming months for signs of a shift in tone or priorities at the association.
