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EGBA names Pierre Tournier Interim Secretary General

Maarten Haijer will step down after 13 years leading the European Gaming and Betting Association, with Senior Director Pierre Tournier taking over on an interim basis.

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Key Points
The European Gaming and Betting Association announced that Maarten Haijer is stepping down as Secretary General after joining the organization in 2008 and leading it since 2013
Pierre Tournier, a Senior Director at EGBA since November 2025 with more than 15 years of industry advocacy experience, will serve as interim secretary general starting September 1

Pierre Tournier will become Interim Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), succeeding Maarten Haijer, who is stepping down after nearly two decades in the association. 

Haijer joined EGBA in 2008 as Director of Regulatory Affairs and became Secretary General in 2013. During his tenure, the association strengthened its engagement with EU and national institutions, advocated for safe and well-regulated multi-licensed markets across Europe and established the annual European Safer Gambling Week initiative.

Tournier has worked in gambling industry advocacy for more than 15 years, including senior roles at the Betting and Gaming Council and the Remote Gambling Association. 

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.

As Interim Secretary General, Tournier will lead EGBA's work on the regulatory and market issues affecting Europe's regulated online gambling sector.

Haijer, who said he would announce his future plans shortly, added: "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."

Tournier stated: "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."

In July, Super Technologies joined the EGBA Board of Directors after becoming a member of the association in October 2024. The appointment expanded Super’s role in EGBA’s work on consumer protection, responsible gambling and regulatory cooperation across Europe.

Good to know

In July, EGBA filed a complaint with Lithuania’s central bank over alleged payment processing for illegal gambling sites

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