Maarten Haijer has announced his resignation as Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), the trade body promoting fair trade policies and responsible standards for iGaming in EU markets.
Departing at the end of August, Haijer will hand over the reins of Pierre Tournier who will become the interim Secretary General on 1 September, a succession that follows a 10-month tenure by Tournier as the EGBA’s Senior Director.
Tournier brings more than 15 years of experience in the gambling industry, which he has leveraged since joining the EGBA in November 2025 to deliver on key initiatives, such as strengthening the collaboration with national and international trade bodies in their joint fight against the illegal gambling market.
On his new endeavour, 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. 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 – combating it will be central to our work.”
EGBA in the Haijer era
Haijer’s tenure on top of the EGBA has been marked by a long list of achievements that have helped strengthen the regulated gambling markets across Europe.
One of Haijer’s biggest success stories during his time at the EGBA was the years-long development and subsequent publication of a voluntary pan-European Standard on the markets of gambling harm, which acts as the foundation for a unified player protection framework across member states.
As part of his work with the EGBA, Haijer has been a frequent contributor to debates around Europe-wide gambling policies, such as the likelihood of a harmonised gambling legislation.
He’s also represented the industry in times demanding a voice of reason to point out the failures of local markets, such as that of Germany, or oppose drastic political rhetorics that diminish licensed gambling in Europe to nothing more than a source of extra tax.
Under Haijer’s tenure, the EGBA also launched the annual Safer Gambling Week initiative, which has grown to be one of the biggest coordinated efforts on the European gambling calendar to raise gambling harm awareness.
Reflecting on his time with the trade body since joining in 2008, 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.
“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. I leave the association in a strong position and in very capable hands, and I am confident Pierre and the team will build on the momentum of recent years.”
