After graduating from university in 1932 he joined the Broken Hill Proprietary Company Limited (BHP) as a cadet in its Whyalla works and at the nearby Iron Knob iron-ore mine.
During that time he had guided the company though a series of major changes including its move into petroleum exploration and production in offshore Bass Strait.
[2] He was made an honorary fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (HonFAusIMM) in 1979, and was on its council, and was its president in 1940.
In 1956 he was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services as a member of the Immigration Planning Council.
[3] In 1963 he was elevated to Knight Commander of the Order of the British Empire (KBE) for services to industry.