Healthcare marketing research firm WorldOne expanded its board of directors with the addition of Kerry Hicks, the founder and former CEO of HealthGrades.

A destination for consumers seeking information on doctors and hospitals, HealthGrades launched in 1998 and grew to nearly one million daily visitors across its online properties. Hicks led the publicly traded firm for 11 years, before facilitating a sale to Vestar Capital Partners for $295 million in 2010, and remains chairman of the HealthGrades board.

WorldOne beefed up its online network when it bought Sermo this year. “Kerry’s appointment to our Board adds a seasoned industry veteran and visionary at a critical time,” said WorldOne CEO Peter Kirk in a statement.