Akron

Signet Jewelers Ltd, the largest jewelry retailer in the U.S., U.K. and Canada, this morning announced that President and Chief Operating Officer Mark Light will become its new chief executive starting Nov. 1. He will replace current CEO Michael Barnes, who is resigning from his job and from Signet's board of directors to "pursue opportunities closer to his home in Dallas," effective Oct. 31. Barnes was based in Akron, Ohio, home of Signet's U.S. retailers Kay Jewelers, Jared the Galleria of Jewelry, and regional brands such as J.B. Robinson.

Toys"R"Us, the world's largest specialty toy store chain, on Tuesday announced plans to hire 45,000 workers at its 877 U.S. stores and distribution centers for the 2014 holidays, more than doubling its total workforce. The jobs include sales associates, stock crew and omnichannel fulfillment teams, as well as distribution center workers and department managers. The news comes days after rival Wal-Mart announced it's hiring 60,000 seasonal workers and offering additional hours to its current employees for the holidays.