Doug Lebda Death: LendingTree CEO Dies at 56 Confirmed

Doug Lebda, the founder and longtime CEO of LendingTree, has died at the age of 56 following a weekend ATV accident, the company confirmed on Monday. The sudden and tragic news has stunned the financial industry, where Lebda was considered one of the most innovative leaders in online lending and consumer finance.

LendingTree announced Lebda’s passing in an official statement early Monday, describing the loss as “devastating.” The Charlotte-based company also confirmed that Scott Peyree, previously the company’s president and chief operating officer, has been appointed CEO effective immediately.

LendingTree Confirms Doug Lebda’s Death After ATV Accident

According to the company, Doug Lebda died on Sunday, October 12, 2025, following an accident involving an all-terrain vehicle (ATV). Further details about the incident remain limited, but authorities confirmed that it occurred over the weekend. His family and the company have requested privacy as they grieve the loss of a leader whose vision reshaped consumer finance.

Lebda founded LendingTree in 1996 with the goal of simplifying the loan comparison process and empowering consumers to make smarter financial decisions. Under his leadership, the company grew into one of the largest and most trusted online lending marketplaces in the United States, connecting millions of borrowers and lenders.

Headquartered in Charlotte’s South End, LendingTree reported $900 million in revenue in 2024 and employs nearly 1,000 people. The company’s board praised Lebda’s “relentless drive, innovation, and passion” and said his leadership “transformed the financial services landscape.”

“Doug dedicated himself to building a company rooted in consumer empowerment and fostering economic opportunity for all,” the board said. “His unwavering commitment shaped LendingTree’s culture and values and permanently changed how consumers access financial products.”

A Pennsylvania native, Lebda graduated from Bucknell University and later earned his MBA from the University of Virginia. Beyond his work in fintech, he was known for his philanthropy, including a $500,000 donation to Atrium Health in 2024 to improve rural healthcare access.

Former Charlotte Mayor and North Carolina Governor Pat McCrory, a longtime friend and former LendingTree board member, called Lebda “a visionary and a true friend” and credited him with helping transform Charlotte into a major financial hub.

Industry Reaction and What’s Next for LendingTree

Doug Lebda’s sudden death following an ATV accident leaves a major void in the fintech world. Over nearly three decades, he guided LendingTree through technological revolutions and market shifts, championing transparency and accessibility for everyday borrowers.

Industry leaders described him as a pioneer whose early embrace of digital platforms reshaped lending forever. Analysts believe LendingTree’s future will continue to build on his legacy under new CEO Scott Peyree, who is expected to uphold the company’s mission and long-term vision.

“We will honor Doug’s vision by continuing the work he began with passion, integrity, and dedication,” the company’s board said in its statement.

Doug Lebda’s death after a weekend ATV accident has deeply saddened the financial community. His pioneering work transformed how Americans make financial decisions, and his legacy will continue to shape the fintech industry for decades to come.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: How did Doug Lebda die?

Doug Lebda died on Sunday, October 12, 2025, following an ATV accident, according to a company statement.

Q2: Who will lead LendingTree after Doug Lebda?

Scott Peyree, the company’s president and COO, has been named the new CEO effective immediately.

Q3: What was Doug Lebda known for?

He was the founder and CEO of LendingTree, pioneering online loan marketplaces and transforming consumer lending.

Q4: How successful was LendingTree under his leadership?

LendingTree reported $900 million in revenue in 2024 and employs around 1,000 people nationwide.

Q5: What was Doug Lebda’s background?

He was a Pennsylvania native, a Bucknell University graduate, and earned his MBA from the University of Virginia.