Management

January 29, 1970 – October 12, 2025

Frustrated by getting his first mortgage, Doug Lebda saw a need to empower consumers in what is, for most, the largest financial transaction in their lives – financing a home. He envisioned a process where lenders would compete for the borrower's business in a fair and open marketplace. And through this process, lenders would be able to target exactly the right consumers to grow. With that vision and his passion for driving innovation, Doug founded LendingTree in 1996 which has revolutionized how consumers shop for loans and how lenders reach new customers.

After launching LendingTree nationally in July 1998, Doug led the company through a successful IPO in 2000, through the dot-com meltdown of 2001 and a successful sale to IAC/InterActiveCorp in 2003. From 2005 to 2008, Doug served as IAC's President and Chief Operating Officer, leading the company through a transition from a holding company to a unified operating company. In 2008, Doug rejoined LendingTree as it spun out from IAC as a separate public company. Today, LendingTree connects consumers and businesses more broadly than just mortgages including; cars, auto finance, education and home services. In addition to LendingTree and his non-profit work, Doug helped lead other companies that are transforming the way consumers transact online. He was the Chairman of the Board of Recyclebank (recently named one of the 50 most innovative companies in the world), Co-Founder of Tykoon (an innovative financial platform for families and children) and was an active mentor and angel investor.

Before founding LendingTree, Doug worked as an auditor and consultant for PriceWaterhouseCoopers. He held a Bachelors degree from Bucknell University and an MBA from the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.

Doug passed away unexpectedly in an accident on October 12, 2025 at the age of 55. He will be remembered not only for his brilliance and vision but also for his warmth, humor, humility, and humanity.

Scott Peyree is the Chief Executive Officer of LendingTree, where he leads the company’s strategy, operations, and long-term growth across its multi-brand financial services platform. As CEO, Scott focuses on scaling performance, strengthening execution, and delivering greater value to consumers, partners, and shareholders.

Scott brings a founder’s mindset and nearly two decades of entrepreneurial and operating experience to the role. He began his career by founding WorldClass Strategy, which he successfully sold in 2006. He later founded QuoteWizard, growing it into a leading online insurance marketplace before selling the business to LendingTree in 2018. Following the acquisition, Scott remained with the company to lead the insurance segment, where he expanded LendingTree’s presence and capabilities in the category.

In 2023, Scott was appointed Chief Operating Officer, overseeing day-to-day operations and driving company-wide alignment and efficiency. In 2025, he was named Chief Executive Officer, continuing his long-standing commitment to building scalable platforms, empowering teams, and advancing LendingTree’s mission to help consumers make smarter financial decisions.

Scott has a wife and two daughters, and has lived in the Seattle area for the past 30 years.

Jason Bengel, a Chartered Financial Analyst, serves as LendingTree’s Chief Financial Officer. His tenure with LendingTree began in February 2018 when he joined the organization as Vice President, Financial Planning and Analysis.

Prior to joining LendingTree, Jason held roles in Treasury, Corporate Development, and FP&A with companies including Outbrain, Revlon, Goldman Sachs, and Air Products. He began his career as a structural engineer.

Jill joined LendingTree in October 2018 and serves as LendingTree’s Chief Human Resources Officer. Jill oversees and manages Human Resources, Real Estate and Facilities and the LendingTree Foundation.

Jill most recently served as the founding partner and owner of Charlotte-based Spivey & Olmstead, a boutique talent and leadership consulting firm. Prior to this, Jill served over 20 years with Wells Fargo (formerly Wachovia) in various Human Resources roles, most recently as Executive Vice President and Managing Director of Human Resources. In this role, Jill led HR responsibilities for the Corporate Investment Banking business, which was comprised of almost 7,000 employees across the U.S., Western Europe and Asia. Her role later expanded to include corporate-wide International Operations in more than30 countries. Jill focused much of her career in building out talent and leadership development programs, employee engagement strategies, and developing high performing and inclusive cultures.

Arun joined LendingTree in October 2018 as Chief Information Security Officer. Arun leads the company’s information security organization in overseeing the confidentiality and integrity of LendingTree’s technology and information system, evaluating and addressing any potential risks, informing policies and expanding LendingTree’s overall information security capabilities.

Arun brings 20 years of Information Security experience to LendingTree. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President, Global Information Security Operations Executive with Bank of America in Dallas, TX. Prior to his time at Bank of America, Sankaran spent 10 years with Experian PLC. He has extensive leadership experience leading diverse global teams across North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions across multiple Security and Technology disciplines. Arun holds multiple patents for systems and methods related to information security risk management.

Carla has served as Chief Accounting Officer of LendingTree since 2013. She oversees all general and technical accounting, tax and SOX functions.

Carla joined the company in December 2012 from King Pharmaceuticals, Inc. where she held various positions from 2001 until 2012, including Senior Vice President and Controller since 2005. Previously, Carla held various positions with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP from 1993 until 2000, including Manager from 1998 until 2000.

Heather is the General Counsel & Corporate Secretary at LendingTree, where she leads the legal and compliance team. Prior to joining LendingTree, Heather held the title of SVP, Head of Privacy and Regulatory at Bank of America Merchant Services, from 2017 until the joint venture dissolved in 2020. Prior to that role, Heather worked in house at several financial institutions, including Wells Fargo and Ally Bank, and began her career as an Associate at Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease LLP. Heather completed a JD in Law from Georgetown University Law Center, and received a BA in Political Science, with honors, from the University of Notre Dame.

Ian Smith is the Chief Operating Officer at LendingTree, where he oversees company-wide operations with a focus on driving execution, performance, and scalable growth across the business. In this role, he partners closely with leadership teams to align strategy, operations, and customer experience, ensuring LendingTree continues to operate efficiently while advancing its long-term priorities.

Ian joined QuoteWizard in 2005 and has played a central role in the company’s evolution over nearly two decades. He helped transform QuoteWizard from a fast-growing startup into one of the leading online insurance comparison platforms in the U.S. Following its acquisition by LendingTree, Ian was instrumental in integrating the business into LendingTree’s broader financial ecosystem and strengthening the company’s position in the insurtech space.

Previously serving as Senior Vice President of Insurance, Ian led LendingTree’s insurance marketplace, driving strategy, operations, and growth across the segment. Known for his operational discipline and strategic perspective, he brings a consistent focus on aligning teams, technology, and execution to deliver results and support LendingTree’s continued expansion.