The Plastics Industry Association named Tony Radoszewski, an industry veteran of almost 40 years, its new president and CEO July 31.
Radoszewski will join the association effective Sept. 16, 2019, after serving since 2006 as the president of the Plastics Pipe Institute (PPI). He will replace Bill Carteaux, who led the organization for almost 15 years until his death in December 2018 after a three-year fight with acute myeloid leukemia.
“Tony is a skilled, experienced executive leader with the demonstrated ability to build critical relationships with key stakeholders, drive member benefits, positively enhance the profile of the industry and advance critical initiatives that will challenge us going forward,” said Wylie H. Royce, board chairman for the association. “We deeply appreciate Patty Long, who has served as interim president and chief executive officer, and the entire Plastics team for keeping the association moving ahead and on track. We face the future with optimism and excitement and look forward to the positive contributions we know Tony will make.”
Radoszewski, who holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from St. Mary’s University in San Antonio, began his career as a polyolefins sales representative with Phillips Chemical Co. in 1980. In 1986, he moved to Houston to become part of the Phillips management team, holding positions in pricing and supply, market development, and as market manager for film and rotational molding.
In 1992, he was named oil and gas sales manager for Phillips Driscopipe (now Performance Pipe), based in Richardson, Texas. Later, he was named director of business development in a new division created to expand the company’s products and markets. Following that role, he became sales director for Phillips Sumika Polypropylene Co., a joint venture between Phillips Chemical Co. and Sumitomo Chemical.
In 1995, Radoszewski joined Advanced Drainage Systems Inc. (ADS), a prominent manufacturer of plastic drainage pipe, as director of marketing and business development. He held that position for seven years before being named president of Wentworth Group International, a business-to-business firm specializing in market development for industrial clients.
He was recruited to become the president of the Plastics Pipe Institute in 2006. During his 13-year tenure, he led efforts that increased membership, enhanced member services, and improved cash flow and profitability while strengthening relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials.
“I am grateful for this opportunity to lead such an important and respected organization,” Radoszewski said. “While I have decades of experience in the plastics industry, I know, as I step in to lead the great Plastics organization, that I have much to learn, and I am dedicated to listening to members as a top priority and understanding the opportunities and challenges we have. I have great respect for what has been done to build this association, and I am truly honored to be able to lead Plastics, and along with our team, take the association to the next level.”
Bruce Adams, senior staff reporter
