Mrs Lawson (51) told the Otago Daily Times she was very excited about her new job, and looking forward to serving the ratepayers in Queenstown.
She relocated from the United Kingdom earlier this year to join her Scottish-born husband, who has been working in New Zealand for five years.
She had been looking for an executive role in New Zealand, and said she saw the QLDC job as ideal.
"I was looking for a job which would enable me to build on my experience in the public sector.
"It is important for me to be able to make a difference, and to work for a company or organisation which is ambitious for the future," she said.
Her career has included several executive positions and directorships, including 17 years as chief executive for the London-based Wandle Housing Group.
That organisation included two commercial companies and a non-profit organisation, all dealing with the development of properties for residential, retail and commercial use.
During the recruitment process, the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce had made a public recommendation to the councillors to choose a candidate with a strong financial background.
Mrs Lawson would not comment specifically on the chamber's statement, but said her previous jobs gave her a solid financial background.
"At Wandle, I was managing a turnover of 40 million ($NZ91 million) and a treasury of around a billion dollars, so I am very familiar with working with big numbers.
"Financial skills is one of many elements of good leadership," she said.
Council secretary Kelly Campbell said Mrs Lawson signed the contract on Monday.
She will receive a $237,094 salary, a $7608 car allowance and $5298 superannuation.
Ms Campbell said 5% of the salary ($11,854.70) would be withheld as a performance bonus to be awarded against the achievement of key performance indicators set for the year.
The term of the contract is for two years and seven months, and is subject to a right of renewal of two years (subject to performance).
Duncan Field's total remuneration package was $277,785, comprising a base salary, an at-risk, or performance element of $12,000, a vehicle allowance and superannuation.
Mrs Lawson first visited Queenstown in 2003, when she represented Great Britain in the triathlon world championship.
The last time she competed in the world championships was in 2008, and she looks forward to an active lifestyle in Queenstown.
"I will definitely be skiing, and I am also keen on swimming, so I will check out the new indoor swimming pool.
"I might also do some triathlon again, but it will probably not be at the same level as before."
She will be moving to Queenstown from Kapiti, near Wellington, to take up her new job in March 2010, and expects her husband Jack to follow a few months later.
She is eagerly anticipating the move.
"I think I'm incredibly lucky to be given the opportunity to work in one of the most beautiful places in the world," Mrs Lawson said.
