LendingTree Founder and CEO Doug Lebda Dies in ATV Accident – LendingTree (NASDAQ:TREE)

Doug le nothe visionary founder and CEO of Lendingtree Inc (NASDAQ:TREE), tragically passed away on October 12, 2025, at the age of 55, following an all-terrain vehicle accident on his family farm in North Carolina, according to Unpleasant Associated press.

A native of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, Lebda graduated from Bucknell University and received an MBA from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business. In 1996, he founded LendingTree, inspired by his own frustrating mortgage experience.

The company revolutionized financial services by allowing consumers to compare loan offers from multiple lenders, helping them make informed decisions. Under his leadership, LendingTree went public in 2000 and expanded its offerings to include credit cards, insurance and personal loans.

In 2010, Lebda co-founded Tykoon, a platform designed to teach children how to manage money.

Lebda is survived by his wife Megan and their three daughters Rachel, Abby and Sophia. In a heartfelt tribute, Megan described her husband as “an amazing man with a heart so big that there seemed to be room for everyone he met.” She expressed her gratitude for the global outpouring of support and emphasized that Doug’s legacy would continue through the company he built and the lives he impacted, according to Unpleasant People.com.

LendingTree’s board of directors and leadership team have pledged to honor Lebda’s vision and continue its mission to simplify financial decisions for consumers. Chief Operating Officer Scott Peyree has been appointed as the new CEO, and Steve Ozonian will serve as chairman of the board, declared Barrons.

Shares of Charlotte, North Carolina-based LendingTree fell more than 3% in afternoon trading Monday.

Photo via LendingTree