PAWTUCKET, R.I. (AP) — The toymaker Hasbro Inc. says Chief Executive Alfred J. Verrecchia will step down as CEO and be replaced by Chief Operating Officer Brian Goldner.

 

The world's second biggest toy company said Monday that 64-year-old Verrecchia will become chairman of the board. The 44-year-old Goldner will succeed him as CEO on May 22.

 

Verrecchia has spent 43 years at Hasbro. He took over as president and chief executive in 2003, succeeding Alan Hassenfeld, a member of Hasbro's founding family. Verrecchia oversaw a turnaround at the once-troubled toymaker.

 

Hassenfeld is the current board chairman.

 

Goldner joined Hasbro in 2000 from Bandai America Inc.