Douglas R. Lebda, the CEO of LendingTree, has been with the company since it was founded in 1996. He has a strong background in finance, holding a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bucknell University. Under his leadership, LendingTree grew...
Douglas R. Lebda, the CEO of LendingTree, has been with the company since it was founded in 1996. He has a strong background in finance, holding a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bucknell University. Under his leadership, LendingTree grew from a startup to a well-recognized name in comparison shopping for financial services. His compensation reflects a pay-for-performance philosophy, with his bonuses linked to the company's success. For 2023, he earned a total of $1,230,808 with a base salary of $750,000, highlighting the rewards for achieving adjusted EBITDA targets. Interestingly, he has not received stock options or grants in recent years, which shows his focus on immediate performance rather than long-term equity. In past years, he has had significant stock vesting, with $6.2 million from stock that vested in 2020. Let's not forget the ups and downs of his wealth; in 2019, his holdings were valued at about $620 million, but saw dramatic fluctuations in the following years, reaching as low as $386 million in 2020, reflecting how company performance can impact a CEO’s net worth directly. Additionally, Lebda took a significant pay cut in 2011, but his salary was restored shortly after, showing a determination to lead the company responsibly even during tough times. Recently, he has been given the option to invest part of his salary into LendingTree’s stock, which aligns his interests with investors. Lebda is not just a CEO; he’s a founder who blends experience with a solid approach to growth and company values.