Carolyn Turner retires this Friday after 29 years at the publisher's editorial helm.
Chairman of directors Brian Hopkins said her tenure had been marked by a conscientious and honest work ethic, and of loyalty to the company's mastheads, the journalistic craft and the community.
"Being the editor of a country newspaper is quite difficult as the publication is required to serve a local community with diverse views," he said.
"Carolyn has displayed drive, tenacity and hard work in her role, characteristics which were apparent when I employed her as a 17-year -old cadet journalist in 1974.
"It's pleasing to know a small local business, such as Warragul Regional Newspapers, has been able to provide her with a career path.
"We wish Carolyn well and thank her for her great input and friendship.
"Likewise it's pleasing to acknowledge the appointment of Yvette Brand as the company's new editor.
Yvette joined the organisation as a cadet journalist in 1990.
A year 10 work experience bout with the organisation in 1987 had embedded an interest in journalism as a career.
"We look forward to Yvette's continued conscientious service and friendship," Brian said.
Both Carolyn and Yvette completed bachelor of arts degrees majoring in journalism while employed at WRN.
Carolyn said she welcomed Yvette's appointment and was looking forward to her leading the editorial team into the future, telling local stories.
Yvette said it was a privilege to have a long association with the company.
"I grew up with the company's publications including The Gazette, Trader and Trafalgar News, so to start my cadetship with the local newspaper was a real honour.
"I am very proud to have been given the opportunity to take over as editor from Carolyn, who has built our newspaper into one of Victoria's leading regional newspapers. She has been a major part of my career from guiding me through the early years of writing, mentoring me and supporting me to take on this position.
"Our newspaper values our community. We want to deliver local news about local people and be our community's trusted news source.
"I look forward to leading our editorial team in continuing to report the news in the pages of our newspaper and online," Yvette said.