SYRACUSE, Ind. — Polywood announced that Founder and CEO Doug Rassi will retire after more than 25 years leading the company. Polywood’s board of directors named the company’s current chief operating officer, Brady Maller, as Rassi’s successor, effective May 1. Maller also will join the board as a member.
The company said in a statement that this leadership transition has been in the works over the past several years and comes at a time when the business is growing and well-positioned for the future.
“Following an extensive succession planning process, the board is confident that Brady is the right leader to guide Polywood into its next chapter,” said George Abd, Polywoood board chair and operating partner of Arsenal Capital Partners. “He has been one of the foundational leaders in the company’s success and uniquely suited to lead it into the future.”
Maller brings more than 20 years of leadership experience at Polywood, playing a central role in building the company, shaping its strategy and advancing capabilities across operations, innovation and customer experience.
“After more than 25 years leading Polywood, this is both a deeply personal milestone and an exciting moment for the company’s future,” Rassi said. “Brady has been instrumental in shaping our strategy, our culture, and our commitment to innovation. I have complete confidence in his ability to lead Polywood into the next chapter.”
More than three decades ago, Rassi founded Polywood based on the idea of transforming discarded materials into durable outdoor living products. Since then, the company has grown to be one of the most popular recycled plastic outdoor furnishings makers, with partnerships with Martha Stewart, Reese Witherspoon’s Draper James brand and Country Living magazine
“Doug has built Polywood into a brand defined by trust, innovation, and craftsmanship,” Abd said. “His vision created not only a category leader, but a company with a strong foundation for long-term growth. Doug is one of an elite few entrepreneurial leaders who has taken a vision from inception to execution and consistent change and growth. We look forward to continuing to work with Doug as he remains on the Board and is a significant investor in the company.”
Under Mr. Maller’s leadership, Polywood will continue its strategic direction, including expanding design capabilities, advancing material and finish innovations, and elevating the overall customer experience. The company said it remains focused on helping customers move beyond individual products toward complete outdoor living spaces.
“We’re building from a position of strength—a brand people trust and a team that knows how to lead,” Maller said. “I’m excited to continue building on that foundation with our partners as we expand how customers think about their outdoor spaces.”
Rassi acknowledged his gratitude for the work of the Polywood team to bring the brand to its current point, and said he is confident that Maller will push it forward into the future.
“It has been the privilege of my life to lead this company,” he said. “Our brand is strong, our team is strong, and the opportunity ahead is greater than ever. Without a doubt, the best days are still ahead.”
