LendingTree Mourns Visionary Founder and Financial Technology Pioneer
Charlotte, North Carolina, October 13, 2025 — The business and fintech world is mourning the tragic death of Doug Lebda, the LendingTree CEO and founder, who passed away over the weekend following an ATV accident at his family farm in North Carolina. He was 55 years old.
According to the official company statement, the doug lebda atv accident occurred on Sunday, and the news was confirmed by LendingTree on Monday morning. The online financial platform described Lebda as a “visionary leader whose relentless drive, innovation, and passion transformed the financial services landscape.”
“Doug was a visionary leader whose relentless drive, innovation and passion transformed the financial services landscape, touching the lives of millions of consumers,” the company’s board of directors said in a statement. “His passion will continue to inspire us as we move forward together.”
The lendingtree ceo doug lebda leaves behind his wife, Megan, and three daughters — Rachel, Abby, and Sophia. His family expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of condolences, saying, “Our hearts are broken, but we are also deeply grateful for the love and support that has poured in from across the world.”
Leadership Transition at LendingTree
In the wake of ceo doug lebda’s sudden death, Scott Peyree, the company’s chief operating officer and president, has been named the new LendingTree CEO, effective immediately. Meanwhile, Steve Ozonian, the firm’s lead independent director, will assume the role of chairman of the board.
Shares of Lending Tree (TREE) fell more than 4% in afternoon trading Monday following the announcement, as markets reacted to the news of Lebda’s passing.
The Man Who Revolutionized Online Lending
Doug Lebda founded LendingTree in 1996 after his own frustrating experience applying for a mortgage. His idea was simple yet revolutionary — to create a digital platform where borrowers could compare multiple loan offers from different lenders, much like an online marketplace for loans.
By 1998, Lending Tree had launched nationally, and just two years later, it went public. The company was acquired by IAC/InterActiveCorp before being spun off as an independent entity again in 2008.
Today, lendingtree is one of the largest online lending marketplaces in the United States, helping millions of users compare loans for mortgages, personal finance, auto loans, credit cards, and insurance. The platform also owns CompareCards and ValuePenguin, further extending its footprint across the financial services sector.
In a 2012 interview with The Wall Street Journal, doug lebda said, “All of my ideas come from my own experiences and problems.”
Doug Lebda’s Legacy and Net Worth
Before founding LendingTree, Doug Lebda worked as a consultant and auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers. In 2010, he co-founded Tykoon, a financial education platform aimed at children and families.
According to public filings and industry estimates, Doug Lebda’s net worth was estimated at over $150 million at the time of his death, largely attributed to his equity holdings in LendingTree and long-term executive compensation packages.
His wealth, however, was often seen as secondary to his broader mission — democratizing access to credit and simplifying the loan process for millions of Americans. Under his leadership, LendingTree grew from a startup concept into a publicly traded fintech giant listed on the NASDAQ.
Industry Tributes Pour In
Tributes from across the financial and tech sectors poured in throughout Monday. Fintech leaders, entrepreneurs, and employees remembered Doug Lebda as both a mentor and a trailblazer who changed the way consumers interact with financial institutions.
“Doug built something truly transformative,” said Scott Peyree, the new lendingtree ceo. “He turned a simple idea into an empire that empowered consumers and changed the lending landscape forever.”
A Legacy That Lives On
While the doug lebda atv accident has left a profound void, both his company and family emphasized that his spirit of innovation will endure. LendingTree said it will continue advancing the mission he started nearly 30 years ago — simplifying financial decisions for people everywhere.
The lending tree ceo is survived by his wife Megan and their three daughters. Megan Lebda’s statement concluded poignantly: “Doug’s heart was so big it seemed to have room for everyone he met. His legacy will continue both at LendingTree and in the lives he touched.”
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