Changes at the top at Hasbro Inc.

PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- Hasbro Inc.'s Chief Executive Alfred J. Verrecchia will step down in May and be replaced by Brian Goldner, who as chief operating officer has played a key role in the toymaker's turnaround in the past several years. The company reported a hefty 24 percent rise in fourth-quarter profit and said sales rose 16 percent, driven by its core brands including Transformers, Littlest Pet Shop and Star Wars. Verrecchia, who turns 65 this week, will become chairman of the board at the Pawtucket-based company when Goldner, 44, starts his new job May 22.