Liputan6.com, Jakarta The financial technology world is mourning the passing of Doug Lebda, founder and CEO of LendingTree.
Lebda passed away on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the age of 55, following a tragic all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident.
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The tragic incident occurred on his family's farm in North Carolina.
The sad news, officially announced by LendingTree on Monday, October 13, 2025, shocked many in the industry.
Scott Peyree, Lending Tree's chief operating officer, has been appointed by the board to serve as the company's president and chief executive officer, effective immediately.
“I have lost a true friend and North Carolina has lost one of America’s greatest entrepreneurs,” Pat McCrory, former North Carolina governor and seven-term Charlotte mayor, said Monday on X.
“Doug Lebda could have put the headquarters of LendingTree anywhere in the nation, but he selected Charlotte to be his home. We are so fortunate to have known his passion and heart.”
Doug Lebda's Tragic Accident
Doug Lebda, the charismatic CEO of LendingTree, died on October 12, 2025, in an ATV accident.
The tragic event occurred on his family's private ranch in North Carolina, a location that was supposed to be a place of recreation and tranquility.
Further details about the incident were not immediately released to the public.
Lebda's sudden death at the age of 55 shocked many, given his central role in the growth of LendingTree.
The Charlotte-based company announced the tragic news the day after the accident, sparking a wave of sympathy from across the financial industry.
Megan described her husband as an extraordinary person with a huge heart, always making room for everyone he met.
Doug Lebda's Profile
Doug Lebda was born in Lewisburg, Pennsylvania.
He attended Bucknell University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration between 1988 and 1992.
He continued his academic career with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of Virginia Darden School of Business, which he completed between 2012 and 2014, after studying there from 1996 to 1997.
He worked as an auditor and consultant at PriceWaterhouseCoopers from 1992 to 1996.
This experience gave him a deep understanding of the financial and business landscape, which would later become crucial in establishing his own company.
His Vision at LendingTree
Doug Lebda founded LendingTree in 1996, driven by his own frustrations while arranging his first mortgage.
His vision was to create an online platform that would allow banks to compete for customers, simplifying the previously complex and time-consuming loan comparison process.
The company launched nationally in 1998 and successfully conducted its initial public offering (IPO) in 2000.
In 2003, LendingTree was acquired by IAC/InterActiveCorp, a media and internet conglomerate.
From 2005 to 2008, Lebda served as President and Chief Operating Officer of IAC.
In 2008, LendingTree spun off from IAC as an independent public company, with Doug Lebda returning as CEO.
Under his leadership, LendingTree not only grew rapidly but also expanded its services, including credit cards, personal and business loans, insurance, and credit score tracking.
Philanthropy Movement
Beyond his success in business, Doug Lebda is also known as an active philanthropist.
He has a strong commitment to education and community.
In 2010, he co-founded Tykoon, an innovative financial services platform specifically designed to teach money management to children and families.
Lebda served as co-chair of the 2020 Republican National Convention in Charlotte.
Furthermore, in 2024, he donated $500,000 to Atrium Health to support healthcare in rural areas, underscoring his commitment to community well-being.
Doug Lebda also has an interest in sports, as evidenced by his partial ownership of the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL team since 2019.