LendingTree CEO Doug Lebda dies: Death reason, net worth, and other details

LendingTree CEO and founder Doug Lebda has tragically passed away following an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident over the weekend, the company confirmed on Monday.

In an official statement, LendingTree said Lebda’s unexpected death occurred on Sunday, expressing deep sorrow and extending condolences to his family and loved ones.

“Doug was a visionary leader whose relentless drive, innovation, and passion transformed the financial services industry, impacting millions of consumers,” the board of directors said. “His legacy will continue to guide and inspire us.”


Following Lebda’s passing, Scott Peyree, the company’s chief operating officer and president, has been appointed as the new CEO, effective immediately. Meanwhile, Steve Ozonian, lead independent director, will assume the role of chairman of the board.

The news of Lebda’s death caused LendingTree shares to dip over 2% during early trading hours on Monday.

All about Doug Lebda

Lebda founded LendingTree in 1996 after facing challenges securing his first mortgage, with the goal of simplifying the loan shopping process. The platform expanded nationally in 1998 and went public in 2000. After a brief period under IAC/InterActiveCorp, LendingTree regained independence in 2008.

Today, the Charlotte, North Carolina-based company serves as a comprehensive online loan marketplace, helping users compare loans for mortgages, credit cards, insurance, and more. It also owns several financial brands, including CompareCards and ValuePenguin.

Beyond LendingTree, Lebda co-founded Tykoon, a financial education platform for children and families, in 2010. Earlier in his career, he worked as an auditor and consultant at PriceWaterhouseCoopers.

Reflecting on his entrepreneurial spirit, Lebda once told The Wall Street Journal in 2012, “All of my ideas come from my own experiences and problems.”

According to reports, Lebda had a net worth of $467 million.