|
“Doug was a visionary leader whose relentless drive, innovation
and passion transformed the financial services landscape,
touching the lives of millions of consumers," LendingTree’s
board of directors said in a prepared statement. “His passion
will continue to inspire us as we move forward together.”
Scott Peyree, LendingTree's chief operating officer and
president, has now been appointed CEO effective immediately. And
lead independent director Steve Ozonian will also step into
Lebda's role as chairman of the board, the company said.
Shares of Charlotte, North Carolina-based LendingTree fell more
than 4% by afternoon trading on Monday.
Lebda founded LendingTree in 1996 — to “simplify the loan
shopping process” after experiencing his own frustrations when
getting his first mortgage, LendingTree's website notes. The
platform launched nationally in 1998 and became a public company
in 2000. It was later acquired by internet conglomerate IAC/InterActiveCorp,
before spinning off on its own again in 2008.
Today, LendingTree's central online loaning marketplace helps
users find and compare loans for mortgages, credit cards,
insurance needs and more. LendingTree, Inc. also owns brands
across the financial sector — including CompareCards and Value
Penguin.
In addition to his multiple-decade career at LendingTree, Lebda
also co-founded a financial services platform for children and
families called Tykoon in 2010. He previously worked as an
auditor and consultant for PriceWaterhouseCoopers.
“All of my ideas come from my own experiences and problems,”
Lebda told The Wall Street Journal in a 2012 interview.
Lebda is survived by his wife, Megan, and three daughters —
Rachel, Abby and Sophia — LendingTree's spokesperson told The
Associated Press. In a statement, Megan Lebda said her husband
“was an amazing man with a heart so big it seemed to have room
for everyone he met.”
“Our hearts are broken, but we are also deeply grateful for the
love and support that has poured in from across the world,” she
said — adding that his legacy will continue both at LendingTree
and in “the lives he touched.”
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved
|
|
