Johnston worked for the family firm Bovril Ltd from 1955 to 1971, and has been a fine art dealer in watercolours of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries since 1971.
He followed his father in business, being Chairman of Bovril Ltd and the Argentine Estates of Bovril, Virol Ltd and Electrolux Ltd.
John Lawson Johnston (1839- November 24, 1900) was the creator of Bovril.
Towards the end of the siege, the garrison and townsfolk were living largely on their remaining draught oxen and horses (mainly in the form of "chevril", a meat paste named after the commercial beef extract "Bovril").
Bovril |
He became heavily involved in business and finance, becoming managing director for Dalgety & Co. in 1901; chairman of directors of Millars Karri and Jarrah Co.; chairman of Bovril Australian Estates; director of the Bank of New South Wales; director of Commercial Union Insurance; and director of the WA Bank.
Luke was the second son of John Lawson Johnston, a beef manufacturer and the founder of Bovril Ltd and Elizabeth, daughter of George Lawson, biscuit manufacturer of Edinburgh.
During his time as director and chairman, Bovril expanded successfully and took over Marmite.