Table of Contents
- Who Was Doug Lebda?
- Details of the Fatal ATV Accident
- Industry and Colleagues React
- Lebda’s Legacy in Fintech
- Leadership Transition at LendingTree
- Sources
Who Was Doug Lebda?
Doug Lebda, the visionary founder and longtime CEO of LendingTree, has died at the age of 55. Known for revolutionizing how Americans shop for loans, Lebda built LendingTree from a fledgling startup in the late 1990s into one of the most recognizable names in online financial services.
Doug Lebda Dies in ATV Accident
According to a statement from a LendingTree spokeswoman, Lebda died on Sunday, October 12, 2025, following an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) accident on his family’s farm in North Carolina. No further details about the circumstances of the crash have been released, but local authorities are treating the incident as a tragic accident.
The news sent shockwaves through the fintech and broader business community, where Lebda was widely admired for his entrepreneurial spirit and relentless focus on consumer empowerment.
Industry and Colleagues React
Tributes poured in from across the financial and tech sectors. Many described Lebda not just as a savvy businessman, but as a mentor and friend.
“Doug was a visionary leader whose relentless drive, innovation and passion transformed the financial services landscape, touching the lives of millions of consumers,” said the LendingTree board in an official statement.
Former colleagues noted his hands-on leadership style and commitment to transparency—a rarity in an industry often criticized for opacity.
Lebda’s Legacy in Fintech
Founded nearly 30 years ago, LendingTree disrupted the traditional loan marketplace by allowing consumers to compare offers from multiple lenders in one place. The company went public in 2000 and survived the dot-com bust, eventually becoming a household name through its memorable advertising campaigns featuring the tagline, “Shop. Compare. Save.”
Under Lebda’s leadership, LendingTree expanded beyond mortgages into personal loans, credit cards, and insurance—always with the mission of giving consumers more control over their financial decisions.
Leadership Transition at LendingTree
In the wake of Lebda’s sudden passing, LendingTree announced that Chief Operating Officer Scott Peyree will assume the role of CEO effective immediately.
| Role | Name | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Founder & Former CEO | Doug Lebda | Died October 12, 2025, age 55 |
| New CEO | Scott Peyree | Previously COO; internal promotion |
Analysts expect continuity in strategy, given Peyree’s deep involvement in day-to-day operations over the past several years.
Sources
The New York Times – Doug Lebda, LendingTree C.E.O. and Founder, Dies in ATV Accident
