Chamber board chairman John McRae said Ms Lawton's appointment had given the board the breathing space it needed to find the right person for the role.
"It's a real opportunity with our new direction; taking on the responsibility to grow Rotorua, to get someone with high-level strategy skills to help us drive our mission.
"We are not rushing into anything," Mr McRae said.
"It is a really important role for the city, not just for us as a chamber."
He said the board was looking for someone with strong business acumen.
"A personable and inclusive person who can network well with members and externally with council and regional council and the like.
"Someone who can drive strategic initiatives within the chamber with a charismatic style, high integrity and trustworthiness."
Mr McRae said the chamber would be advertising widely using local recruitment agencies.
"I see it as a very exciting time for us and a great opportunity for someone to come into this role.
"We have a strong board and are clear about our vision.
"We've got no illusions that to grow this city it requires us to work very closely with council and central government.
"City-wide, we need to be paddling the waka in the same direction. We need to connect a lot more strongly across the community and Rotorua is the perfect size for us to all work together; that is our competitive advantage."
Mr McRae said the chamber would officially advertise the position next week, but he was happy to have CVs sent to him at jmcrae@deloitte.co.nz.
