The world of fintech and online lending is mourning a sudden loss after LendingTree announced the death of its founder and CEO, Doug Lebda.
The 55-year-old passed away in what the company described as a freak ATV accident on his family’s farm in North Carolina.
Details about the accident remain scarce, leaving colleagues, friends, and family grappling with shock and sorrow.
Remembering Doug Lebda
Doug Lebda wasn’t just a businessman; he was a visionary who transformed the way people approach online lending.
Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, LendingTree grew under his leadership into a household name in the financial tech space.
According to Benzinga, Lebda had an estimated net worth of $305 million.
A Heartfelt Message from His Wife
Megan Lebda, 37, who works as LendingTree’s director of PR and communications, shared an emotional tribute to her husband.
“Our hearts are broken, but we are also deeply grateful for the love and support that has poured in from across the world,” she wrote.
She added, “Doug’s legacy will continue in the company he built, the lives he touched, and the example he set for all of us to lead with kindness, courage, and compassion.”
From Personal Struggle to Groundbreaking Success
Doug’s journey began with a personal challenge.
After facing difficulties securing a mortgage for a home in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he founded LendingTree in 1996.
His goal was simple but ambitious: make it easier for people to compare loans and access the financial tools they needed.
Over decades, that mission evolved into one of the most recognized online lending marketplaces in the United States.
Leadership Transition
Following this tragic loss, LendingTree has appointed Scott Peyree, the company’s chief operating officer, as the new CEO.
“The news of losing Doug was devastating,” Peyree said in a statement, emphasizing the profound impact Lebda had on both the company and its employees.
Looking Ahead
As the company adjusts to this unexpected transition, employees and stakeholders are reflecting on Doug Lebda’s lasting influence.
From his entrepreneurial spirit to his commitment to compassionate leadership, his imprint on LendingTree and the financial world will continue to be felt for years to come.