The reputable secretary general of the European Gaming and Betting Association, Sigrid Ligné, has left the trade body to pursue other opportunities, and has been replaced by Maarten Haijer, the former director of regulatory affairs for the organization.
Prior to this, Haijer worked as the internal market and consumer protection counselor at the Netherlands Permanent Representation to the EU, where he negotiated several proposals for EU harmonization.
Commenting on the resignation Tuesday, Ligné said: "I have had the privilege to lead the EGBA at a time of significant progress in the EU debate on online gambling. I am pleased to note that the EU institutions and other stakeholders are now engaged in a constructive exchange on how smart regulatory design can achieve our common goals.
"By appointing Maarten Haijer to take up the baton in the continuing efforts to persuade policymakers of the merits of market-based solutions, the EGBA can be sure that its cause is in excellent hands".
It was added by EGBA chairman Norbert Teufelberger: "On behalf of EGBA's member companies I would like to thank Sigrid sincerely for spearheading EGBA's considerable achievements at a crucial time for European online gaming operators and for the development of the industry as a whole.
"We are sorry to see Sigrid go but wish her all success in her new challenges. We warmly welcome Maarten Haijer as our new secretary general. With his experience and vision we are confident that he will drive forward our efforts for safe and fair operating conditions in Europe."
The new secretary general of the organization, which represents most of Europe's major online gambling companies, Maarten Haijer also stated that "It was a pleasure to work with Sigrid for many years and I wish her all the best. I am honoured by the appointment as secretary general of EGBA and the confidence EGBA members have shown in me. I am fully aware of the challenging job ahead of us in creating a uniformly safe environment for the playing public, and in obtaining equitable treatment for EU-based operators.
"EGBA is firmly committed to work together with the EU institutions and Member States to achieve both of these goals. Where discriminatory national rules persist, we rely on the Commission as guardian of the treaties to keep its word and refer Member States to the Court of Justice of the EU."
