LendingTree Founder Doug Lebda Dies; Leadership Shifts | JQJO

Doug Lebda, founder and CEO of LendingTree, died Sunday in an ATV accident at age 55, the online loan marketplace said. The Charlotte-based company praised him as a visionary whose drive transformed the financial services landscape. Founded in 1996, LendingTree launched in 1998, went public in 2000, was acquired by IAC/InterActiveCorp before spinning off in 2008. COO and president Scott Peyree becomes president and CEO, with director Steve Ozonian named board chair, effective immediately. Lebda also co-founded Tykoon in 2010. He is survived by his wife, Megan, and three daughters, who thanked supporters.