EGBA secretary general departs as former BGC director takes the helm

The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has announced the appointment of Pierre Tournier as its interim secretary general. 

He will succeed long-serving chief Maarten Haijer, who is stepping down after nearly two decades with the organisation.

Illegal gambling ‘biggest threat’ says Tournier

Effective 1 September 2026, Pierre Tournier, a 15-year industry veteran, will become EGBA’s interim secretary general. 

Tournier joined EGBA in November 2025 as senior director and was previously the international director at the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and the director of government relations at Remote Gambling Association (RGA). 

His expertise includes coordination with national and international trade bodies and tackling the rise of illegal online gambling.

Commenting on his new role, Tournier stated: “I would like to pay tribute to Maarten for his outstanding work. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy.”

He highlighted the illegal gambling market as “the biggest threat to players and to the regulated sector alike” and emphasised that combatting it would be central to his agenda. 

Additionally, Tournier pledged to uphold “high industry standards, regulatory best practices and lead the debates that will shape our industry’s future”.

Big shoes to fill

Maarten Haijer joined the Brussels-based trade body in 2008 and took on the role of secretary general in 2013. 

Over his tenure, he steered EGBA through significant growth, with the association expanding its engagement with European Union institutions and national regulators. 

EGBA credited Haijer with championing “safe, well-regulated and competitive multi-licensed markets” across Europe and establishing its annual European Safer Gambling Week.

Reflecting on his time with EGBA, 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.”

He further noted the transformation of the European gambling sector during his tenure, describing it as evolving “from pioneering start-ups to world-leading digital entertainment providers, with licences across the globe”. 

This included being vocal on Iceland scrapping its gambling monopoly and being in position as EGBA confirmed an update to its anti-money laundering guidelines would be published this year.