A passionate dietitian and connector
Annemieke began her career as a dietitian in hospital care, but it soon became clear that she wanted to use her strengths outside the consulting room as well. She was a true networker: warm, approachable, and at the same time, businesslike and sharp. Many colleagues remember her as someone always ready to help, who made connections, and who considered collaboration self-evident. “A true collaborator,” she was often described—and rightly so.

Chair of the NVD
That connecting power came fully into its own when she was chair of the Dutch Association of Dietitians (NVD) from 2007 to 2011. These were turbulent years, during which political decisions were made to remove dietetics from basic healthcare. For the field, this was a crisis; for Annemieke, a challenge to face head-on. During that period, she was a tireless lobbyist, a strategic thinker, and a rock for many colleagues. Even after her chairmanship, she remained closely involved with the NVD, including as an advisor in various areas.

Entrepreneur, even in turbulent times
Besides her impact as a leader, Annemieke also left a clear mark as an entrepreneur. In addition to her role as director at Nutri-akt, she started Vialente in 2010, which later became Vialente-Dietheek — a company that grew into an important player in primary care dietetics. The start coincided with a period when reimbursement for dietetics was under pressure. Precisely in those difficult circumstances, she managed to stay the course, set up new structures, and build an organisation that, to this day, offers many dietitians a professional home base.

The voice of European dietitians
In 2016, Annemieke took another big step. She became vice-President and, in 2018, President of the European Federation of the Associations of Dietitians (EFAD). The international arena fascinated her: the differences between countries, the big picture, the strategy, and the development of the profession as a whole. In the interview she gave, her enthusiasm was clear: “The fun of board positions is that you can focus on the big picture. That’s what I love.”

Leading, Connecting, and Building, the 3 cornerstones of EFAD’s Strategic Plan were tailor-made for her. Under her leadership, the European Dietetic Action Plan (EuDAP) was developed, and later the EFAD Budapest Resolution. Both emphasising the responsibility of the dietetic profession in supporting the improvement of nutritional care for every European citizen.  Strategic partnerships are established, and the EFAD Learning platform is created to support the professional development.

Annemieke was committed to strengthening the visibility and status of dietitians at the European level. She felt it was important that dietitians worldwide spoke the same language, with the same quality mindset and the same ambition to promote health.

“EFAD is the voice of European dietitians,” she said. “I am happy to represent that voice.” And she did—powerfully and convincingly.

A person with vision, curiosity, and perseverance
Anyone who spoke with Annemieke quickly noticed she was both a thinker and a doer. She loved overview, strategy, and structure, but also the practical side, the people doing the work, and concrete improvements. She was curious and eager to learn—qualities she saw as fuel for her personal development and for the profession.

In an interview she once gave, she explained how important it was to always place the work of the dietitian in a broader perspective. Nationally, European, globally. That broad outlook made her a leader with vision: someone who saw early on how international cooperation could strengthen the profession.

Recognition and appreciation
Within the NVD, Annemieke was named Member of Merit, a recognition for her great contribution to the field. But perhaps even more important was the appreciation she received from colleagues. Many dietitians will remember her as an inspiration: someone who set the bar high, but always with a smile; someone who believed in the strength of the profession and expressed that with passion.

A lasting legacy
Annemieke van Ginkel-Res leaves a rich legacy: organisations that stand strong, networks that flourish, colleagues who have grown because of her, and a profession that, thanks in part to her, has become stronger and more visible.
She was proud of her work, but most proud, as she said herself, of her years as chair of the NVD, and Honorary President of EFAD  “My favourite side job ever,” she called it. It typifies her: hardworking, ambitious, but at the same time warm and humane.
With her passing, dietetics loses a passionate professional, a strategist, and a connector. Those who worked with her know that she truly made a difference.