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The visionary entrepreneur who transformed online lending and empowered millions of consumers leaves behind a lasting legacy of innovation, leadership, and compassion.
LendingTree CEO and founder Doug Lebda has died following an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident over the weekend, the company confirmed Monday. He was 55 years old.
In a statement, LendingTree said Lebda passed away on Sunday in an accident at a family farm in North Carolina, describing his death as a devastating loss to both the company and the broader financial community.
“Doug was a visionary leader whose relentless drive, innovation, and passion transformed the financial services landscape, touching the lives of millions of consumers,” LendingTree’s board of directors said. “His passion will continue to inspire us as we move forward together.”
Following Lebda’s passing, Scott Peyree, LendingTree’s chief operating officer and president, has been appointed CEO effective immediately, while lead independent director Steve Ozonian will assume the role of chairman of the board.
Shares of the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company fell more than 4% by Monday afternoon as news of Lebda’s death spread.
Lebda founded LendingTree in 1996, inspired by his own frustrations while navigating the mortgage process for the first time. Determined to simplify loan shopping, he launched a platform designed to connect borrowers with multiple lenders — a model that would later revolutionize how consumers access financial products.
The company launched nationally in 1998 and went public in 2000 before being acquired by IAC/InterActiveCorp. LendingTree became an independent company again in 2008, growing into one of the most trusted names in personal finance.
Today, LendingTree serves millions of users through its online loan marketplace, helping them compare options for mortgages, credit cards, insurance, and more. It also owns several financial brands, including CompareCards and Value Penguin.
Over nearly three decades, Lebda’s leadership helped shape the fintech industry. He also co-founded Tykoon, a financial education platform for children and families, in 2010. Before launching LendingTree, he worked as an auditor and consultant for PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
“All of my ideas come from my own experiences and problems,” Lebda told The Wall Street Journal in 2012 — a philosophy that guided his entrepreneurial journey and fueled his success.
Lebda is survived by his wife, Megan, and their three daughters — Rachel, Abby, and Sophia. In a heartfelt statement, Megan described him as “an amazing man with a heart so big it seemed to have room for everyone he met.”
“Our hearts are broken, but we are also deeply grateful for the love and support that has poured in from across the world,” she said. “Doug’s legacy will continue both at LendingTree and in the lives he touched.”
As LendingTree and the broader financial community mourn his passing, Doug Lebda will be remembered not only as a pioneer in digital finance but also as a leader who built with purpose, empathy, and vision — leaving behind an enduring mark on the industry he helped shape.
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