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Doug Lebda:LendingTree CEO Doug Lebda’s Tragic Death at 55: A Visionary Legacy Lives On
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LendingTree CEO Doug Lebda’s Tragic Death at 55: A Visionary Legacy Lives On
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — In heartbreaking news for the financial and technology world, LendingTree confirmed that its founder and CEO, Doug Lebda, has died following an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
Lebda, who was in his mid-50s, was widely regarded as a visionary leader who transformed how Americans connect with lenders through online financial tools. His sudden death has left the Charlotte fintech community and millions of customers in shock.
🔗 Official statement from LendingTree
🔗 About LendingTree’s history and leadership
🔗 Charlotte Observer coverage of Doug Lebda’s passing
A Tragic End to an Inspiring Journey
According to the company’s statement, Doug Lebda was killed in an ATV accident on Sunday. Further details about the incident have not yet been released.
The LendingTree Board of Directors called his passing “a devastating loss of a leader whose innovation changed millions of lives.”
“We are deeply saddened by Doug’s passing,” the board said. “His passion, creativity, and relentless drive will continue to inspire us as we move forward.”
A New Chapter Begins: Scott Peyree Named New CEO
Following Lebda’s death, Scott Peyree, LendingTree’s Chief Operating Officer, has been appointed as the new President and CEO, effective immediately. Peyree is expected to continue Lebda’s legacy of innovation and customer-first service.
Additionally, Steve Ozonian, who has been a member of the company’s board since 2008, has been appointed Chairman of the Board.
Doug Lebda: A True Fintech Pioneer
Doug Lebda’s story is one of passion, innovation, and persistence.
He founded LendingTree in 1996 after struggling to find a good mortgage himself. Frustrated by the time-consuming process of visiting multiple banks, he imagined a website where lenders compete for customers — a revolutionary idea that reshaped the lending industry.
The company launched nationally in 1998 and went public in 2000. In 2003, Lebda sold LendingTree to IAC/InterActiveCorp but later returned in 2008 to rebuild it under the Tree.com brand, which eventually rebranded back to LendingTree.
Lebda also shared his entrepreneurial wisdom by teaching at the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, where he once studied.
Tributes Pour In: Remembering an Industry Legend
Lebda’s death has sparked an outpouring of grief and admiration from business leaders and government officials across the U.S.
Former North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory wrote on X (formerly Twitter):
“I’ve lost a true friend, and North Carolina has lost one of America’s greatest entrepreneurs. Doug could have headquartered LendingTree anywhere, but he chose Charlotte. His heart and vision will never be forgotten.”
Kevin Wilkinson, Managing Partner at The Southern Group-North Carolina, called Lebda’s passing “a tremendous loss.”
Charlotte City Councilman Edwin Peacock added:
“Doug Lebda was a visionary business leader and generous philanthropist whose impact will be felt far beyond Charlotte.”
LendingTree’s Continued Growth and Vision
Today, LendingTree employs around 940 people nationwide, with more than 300 employees in Charlotte.
The company’s revenue has surged in recent years — up 43% in the first quarter of 2025, climbing from $167.8 million to $239.7 million.
In 2021, LendingTree moved its headquarters to a 175,000-square-foot office in Charlotte’s South End, cementing its place as a major force in the city’s fintech scene.
A Lasting Legacy of Innovation
Despite this tragic loss, Doug Lebda’s entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to innovation continue to define LendingTree’s mission.
His journey — from a frustrated borrower to a fintech trailblazer — has inspired countless entrepreneurs and transformed the financial industry.
The company’s board has pledged to “uphold his legacy with integrity, dedication, and passion.”
In Summary
Doug Lebda’s passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy of innovation, courage, and customer empowerment will continue to shape the future of LendingTree and the entire fintech industry.
His story serves as a reminder that one man’s idea can revolutionize how the world borrows, lends, and dreams.