Lawrence will be working alongside the company’s in-house dietician Emily Stuart and the existing team of chefs headed by Phil Rimmer.
Speaking about the appointment, Lawrence said: “Working with Apetito across the development of ‘Culinary Inspirations’ was a great experience – so much so, that when the company was looking for a new development chef, I welcomed the opportunity to join this dynamic team on a permanent basis.
“When we – as chefs – create dishes for consumers in a restaurant, a pub, or a hotel, it is a very different approach to creating inspirational and nutritional dishes for our healthcare customers across a variety of different needs.
“There is also a growing trend towards plant-based meals, and there are exciting new innovations in the frame for this year. It’s a tremendously exciting time in the company’s development and I’m delighted to be on board.”
Apetito believe the appointment will ‘drive further value and innovation’ into the menu line-up across the company’s growing customer base.
Rosemarie Hoyle, healthcare division head, added: “It’s terrific to have Jethro join our team on a permanent basis. He is undoubtedly a very talented chef and a household name further to his appearance on MasterChef where he was a quarter finalist.
“Jethro adds a new dimension and great value to our meals development programme, and our customers are also excited that we are bringing in fresh innovation and talent, which they in turn can present to their patients.”