Pierre Tournier Appointed as Interim Successor to Lead the Brussels-Based Gambling Standards Body
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) has announced that Maarten Haijer will conclude his 13-year tenure as Secretary General of the Brussels-based standards and trade body. Haijer will step down on September 1, handing over leadership to Pierre Tournier, who will assume the role on an interim basis.
A Legacy of Standards, Compliance, and Sector Advocacy
During his 13 years at the helm, Haijer played a pivotal role in shaping Europe’s regulated online gambling landscape. Under his guidance, EGBA deepened its engagement with EU institutions and national authorities while championing the expansion of regulated online markets across Europe.
Key milestones defining Haijer’s tenure include:
- Harm Markers Standardisation: Spearheading the development of Europe’s first common standard for identifying markers of gambling harm, which was approved by national standardisation bodies in 2025 and advanced through the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN).
- Responsible Advertising Code: Overseeing the launch of EGBA’s pan-European Code of Conduct on Responsible Advertising in 2020, establishing unified rules for advertising content, social media, sponsorships, and minor protection.
- Challenging Disproportionate Policies: Actively pushing back against ineffective regulations, such as Italy’s blanket advertising ban introduced via the 2018 Dignity Decree.
- European Safer Gambling Week: Helping establish the annual cross-border initiative that brings together operators, regulators, and treatment organizations.
- Combating the Black Market: Consistently warning against the risks posed by unlicensed operators and calling for closer cooperation between licensed stakeholders and law enforcement.
Leadership Transition and Future Focus
Incoming interim Secretary General Pierre Tournier brings over 15 years of industry experience to the position. Having joined EGBA in 2025 to manage engagement with international trade bodies and anti-black-market initiatives, Tournier steps into the role at a critical crossroads for the European sector.
Reflecting on his departure, EGBA outgoing Secretary General Maarten Haijer stated:
“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.”
Pierre Tournier added:
“Maarten 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. 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.”
