Meat & Livestock Australia senior manager Aaron Iori passed away after a period of illness on January 1.

Aaron had been courageously battling cancer over the past 20 months. He leaves behind his wife Kate and children Sergio, Charlotte and Hugo.

Aaron started work with MLA in 2001 as a market analyst. He then managed the National Livestock Reporting Service for five years before being asked to head-up the National Livestock Identification Scheme (NLIS) in 2006.

Since April 2009 Aaron was MLA's regional manager for South East Asia and Greater China region. He had a special vision for the region which included incorporating Australian beef and lamb into modern Chinese cuisine and banqueting.

He saw the importance of having ambassadors of Australian beef and lamb and did this through retail showcase sites in China, the Philippines and Indonesia and the introduction of the Red Majesty Chef program in Singapore, Malaysia, Beijing and Shanghai.

He nurtured the endless opportunities in emerging markets by capitalising on Australia’s reliable food safety systems through conducting product knowledge and education seminars in Taiwan, Philippines and China.

Aaron was also an avid supporter of the Black Box and Pencil Box programs throughout the region, as this became his platform to inspire young chefs to create innovative menus using Australian beef and lamb.

A statement issued by MLA said the industry had lost one of its brightest and most dedicated professionals, the producer company had lost one of its most talented senior managers, and many industry stakeholders had lost a friend. A friend who was always there as a sounding board for ideas, as a mentor, as a straight talker and as someone who just got things done.

His courage and optimism in the face of overwhelming odds over the past two years has inspired many.

A funeral will be held on Monday, January 7 at 11am, Holy Name Church, 35 Billyard Avenue, Wahroonga, NSW. Following the service a private burial will take place.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to CLUB 1200 – click here for details.