Tragic ATV Accident Claims Life of LendingTree CEO Doug Lebda | CNN Business

LendingTree, a popular online loan platform, is mourning the loss of its founder and CEO, Doug Lebda, who tragically passed away in an ATV accident at a family farm in North Carolina. He was just 55 years old.

Lebda’s death shocked the company. In their statement, LendingTree expressed deep sorrow and highlighted how Lebda changed the financial services industry for the better. “Doug was a visionary leader,” they said, noting his passion for helping millions of consumers.

In the wake of this tragedy, Scott Peyree, the company’s chief operating officer, has stepped up as the new CEO. Steve Ozonian, the lead independent director, will take on the role of chairman of the board.

On the financial side, news of Lebda’s passing caused shares of LendingTree to drop by over 4% on Monday, showing how much his leadership impacted investor confidence.

Lebda launched LendingTree in 1996, inspired by his own difficult experience while trying to secure a mortgage. By 2000, the company went public, and it was eventually acquired by IAC/InterActiveCorp. In 2008, it became independent again. Today, LendingTree is a vital marketplace, helping people find loans for mortgages, credit cards, and insurance, among other financial needs. The company also owns several well-known brands in the financial industry, like CompareCards and Value Penguin.

Beyond his work at LendingTree, Lebda co-founded Tykoon in 2010, a platform aimed at teaching financial literacy to kids and families. His career began as an auditor at PriceWaterhouseCoopers, which added to his deep understanding of the financial world.

Lebda was known for his innovative thinking. He once said, “All of my ideas come from my own experiences and problems,” reflecting his belief in solving real-world issues.

He is survived by his wife, Megan, and their three daughters, Rachel, Abby, and Sophia. Megan described her husband as an incredible man with a large heart. She expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support they’ve received, acknowledging that his legacy lives on at LendingTree and through the many lives he impacted.

As we remember Doug Lebda, it’s clear that his contributions to the financial landscape will endure, inspiring future innovations and helping consumers navigate their financial journeys.



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