# Doug Lebda

> Doug Lebda (1970-2025) founded LendingTree after a frustrating first mortgage experience in Pittsburgh. He led the Charlotte-based online lending marketplace through its IPO, acquisition by IAC and return to independence, also serving as IAC’s president and chief operating officer. A Bucknell graduate and Darden executive MBA alumnus, he supported entrepreneurship education and mentored students. LendingTree continues under CEO Scott Peyree.

- **Role:** Entrepreneur and financial services executive
- **Organizations:** LendingTree, IAC/InterActiveCorp, Price Waterhouse, Tykoon, Darden School Foundation, Lebda Family Foundation
- **From:** Lewisburg, United States
- **Nationality:** American
- **Education:** Bachelor’s degree in accounting/business administration, Bucknell University, Executive MBA, University of Virginia Darden School of Business
- **Known for:** Founded LendingTree and established an online marketplace for competing loan offers., Led the company through its 2000 IPO and its return to independence in 2008., Served as president and chief operating officer of IAC.

## Career timeline

- **1992** — Graduated from Bucknell; began an auditing and consulting career at Price Waterhouse.
- **1994** — Attempted to finance a $55,000 Pittsburgh condo; the experience inspired his lending marketplace idea.
- **1996** — Founded the venture that became LendingTree, originally Credit Source USA, with Jamey Bennett.
- **1997** — Moved to Charlotte to develop the business.
- **1998** — LendingTree launched nationally in July.
- **2000** — Led LendingTree through its IPO.
- **2003** — IAC acquired LendingTree.
- **2006-2008** — Served as IAC president and chief operating officer, according to LendingTree’s 2026 proxy statement.
- **2008** — Led the business as Tree.com separated from IAC.
- **2010** — Co-founded family financial platform Tykoon.
- **2014** — Completed Darden’s executive MBA.
- **2015** — Tree.com changed its corporate name to LendingTree.
- **2022** — Supported the launch of the Mia & Tiago entrepreneurship book series.
- **2025** — Died October 12; Scott Peyree succeeded him as CEO and Steve Ozonian became chairman.

## Achievements

- Founded LendingTree and established an online marketplace for competing loan offers.
- Led the company through its 2000 IPO and its return to independence in 2008.
- Served as president and chief operating officer of IAC.
- Supported entrepreneurship teaching with Darden faculty and students.
- Helped launch the Mia & Tiago children’s entrepreneurship books.

## Latest updates

- **2026-10** — LendingTree’s first-anniversary remembrance described the Lebda Memorial Garden at its Charlotte headquarters and support for Do Greater’s Lebda Entrepreneur Club using Mia & Tiago books.
- **2025-10** — LendingTree announced his death on October 12 and appointed Scott Peyree CEO and Steve Ozonian chairman.
- **2025-09** — Appeared on episode 51 of The Deal Ranch, published September 26, discussing LendingTree’s history.

## Links

- Website: https://press.lendingtree.com/about/our-founder-doug-lebda
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/douglebda
- Twitter/X: https://x.com/DougLebda

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Profile page: https://yespress.io/doug-lebda
Published by YesPress — https://yespress.io
Last updated: 2026-10-22