Lazor will work from SSNZ's Wanaka offices, alongside chief executive Ross Palmer, to oversee the development of alpine ski racing.
Lazor will be responsible for establishing programmes and resources to enable New Zealand ski racers to excel internationally.
He will also liaise with training providers and other key stakeholders in the sport.
Lazor has previously served as director of operations for the United States Grand Prix, overseeing the staging of a Formula One event in Phoenix, Arizona.
He was also president of ACATS Inc, an aviation servicing company in Alexandria, Virginia.
Lazor competed in ski racing in the US at state level, as a school pupil.
He later worked as a ski instructor and obtained a Masters degree in business administration.
He has lived in New Zealand since 2006.
The appointment was made in consultation with the Ski Racing New Zealand Board.
Board chairman Tony Oxnevad said Lazor's appointment marked an important step in the process of integrating all snow sports into SSNZ.
"Our goal has been, and remains, the effective delivery of ski racing programmes at all levels. Having James and the rest of our organisation working more closely with Snow Sports New Zealand will provide immediate benefits to our athletes and our programmes," Oxnevad said in a media release yesterday.
