Charlotte, North Carolina, October 14, 2025
News Summary
Doug Lebda, the CEO and chairman of LendingTree, passed away in an ATV accident at a family farm in North Carolina. The company announced his death, highlighting his contributions as a visionary leader in financial services. Lebda founded LendingTree in 1996 and was known for transforming the loan marketplace. Following his unexpected death, Scott Peyree has taken over as CEO. The news has left a profound impact on the community, as many express their condolences for Lebda’s sudden loss.
Charlotte, North Carolina – Doug Lebda, the CEO and chairman of LendingTree, tragically died in an ATV accident on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The incident occurred at a family farm in North Carolina. LendingTree confirmed the news of his passing in a release on Monday, October 13, stating that Lebda was 55 years old at the time of his death.
Lebda founded LendingTree in 1996 after facing challenges securing his first mortgage. His vision and perseverance transformed the company into a prominent national online marketplace for loans, credit cards, and insurance. LendingTree has its headquarters on Vantage Park Drive, located near Uptown Charlotte and South End.
In the wake of Lebda’s unexpected death, Scott Peyree, the COO and president of LendingTree, has been appointed as the new CEO, effective immediately. Steve Ozonian, the lead independent director, will also take over as chairman of the board. LendingTree described Lebda as a visionary leader who significantly impacted the financial services landscape and empowered millions of consumers.
Under Lebda’s leadership, LendingTree launched nationally in 1998 and went public in 2000. In 2003, he sold the company to IAC/InterActiveCorp and served as president and COO of IAC until 2008, when he returned to LendingTree after it spun off from IAC. During his tenure, the company garnered accolades, including ranking No. 3 on Forbes’ list of fastest-growing U.S. companies in 2017. In 2021, LendingTree moved to a new 175,000-square-foot office in South End.
Lebda was also known as an educator, teaching entrepreneurship at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business. He was actively involved in the community, funding COVID-19 relief efforts and supporting local arts initiatives. Moreover, he co-chaired the host committee for the 2020 Republican National Convention held in Charlotte. Throughout his life, he faced challenges, including a 2018 legal dispute over his 15,000-square-foot mansion in Quail Hollow.
At LendingTree, approximately 940 employees work, with more than 300 based in Charlotte. Lebda owned a 5% stake in the Pittsburgh Steelers, valued at around $140 million. He is survived by his wife, Megan, and three daughters: Rachel, Abby, and Sophia. COO Scott Peyree emphasized the strong management team Lebda built, calling his passing devastating. The news has sent shockwaves through the community, with leaders and residents expressing their condolences for Lebda’s sudden loss.
FAQ
What was Doug Lebda’s position at LendingTree?
Doug Lebda was the CEO and chairman of LendingTree.
When did Doug Lebda die?
Doug Lebda died on Sunday, October 12, 2025.
What caused Doug Lebda’s death?
Doug Lebda died in an ATV accident at a family farm in North Carolina.
How old was Doug Lebda at the time of his death?
Doug Lebda was 55 years old at the time of his death.
Who is the new CEO of LendingTree?
Scott Peyree has been appointed as the new CEO of LendingTree, effective immediately.
Key Features of Doug Lebda and LendingTree
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Doug Lebda |
| Age at Death | 55 |
| Date of Accident | October 12, 2025 |
| Company Founded | LendingTree in 1996 |
| Headquarters Location | Vantage Park Drive, Charlotte, NC |
| New CEO | Scott Peyree |
| Survived By | Wife Megan, Daughters Rachel, Abby, Sophia |
| Company Employees | Approx. 940 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
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Additional Resources
- WBTV
- Wikipedia: Doug Lebda
- Axios
- Google Search: Doug Lebda LendingTree
- ABC News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Doug Lebda
- CNN
- Google News: LendingTree CEO Doug Lebda
Author: HERE Charlotte
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