Lewis was born and educated in Adelaide and graduated in 1903 from the South Australian School of Mines, University of Adelaide. In 1904, he joined the Broken Hill Pty. Co. Ltd. as a foreman, and was effectively chief executive from 1921 to 1950, remaining a director until his death in 1961. Lewis' corporate career was interrupted in May 1940, when he was seconded to the government and appointed Commonwealth Director-General of Munitions and Aircraft Production until June 1945. Essington Lewis was a business consultant, the recipient of countless awards, member of various professional and social organizations and the author of numerous books on the Australian iron and steel industry.

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