The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has appointed Pierre Tournier as its new interim secretary general, following the decision of long-serving chief Maarten Haijer to step down after nearly twenty years. Tournier, who has fifteen years of experience in the industry, will officially assume his role on September 1, 2026.
Before joining EGBA in November 2025 as senior director, Tournier served as international director at the Betting and Gaming Council (BGC) and as the director of government relations at the Remote Gambling Association (RGA). His background includes coordination with various national and international trade organizations, and addressing the challenges posed by illegal online gambling.
In his acceptance of the position, Tournier expressed gratitude towards Haijer, stating, "I would like to pay tribute to Maarten for his outstanding work. He leaves behind a remarkable legacy." He identified the illegal gambling market as a significant issue, calling it "the biggest threat to players and to the regulated sector alike," and emphasized that addressing this challenge would be a key focus during his tenure. Tournier also vowed to maintain high industry standards and lead discussions on the future direction of the industry.
Maarten Haijer joined the EGBA in 2008 and took over as secretary general in 2013. During his time, he played a pivotal role in the association's growth, enhancing its interaction with European Union institutions and national regulators. The EGBA acknowledged Haijer's contributions in promoting safe, well-regulated, and competitive gambling markets across Europe, in addition to establishing the annual European Safer Gambling Week.
Reflecting on his career at EGBA, Haijer remarked, "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 praised the evolution of the European gambling landscape during his leadership, noting its transition from startups to prominent digital entertainment providers with global licenses. Under his guidance, the organization also advocated for significant changes, such as Iceland’s decision to abolish its gambling monopoly, along with the upcoming publication of updated anti-money laundering guidelines this year.
