This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast is sponsored by Crimson Park Digital. Get your brand seen, capture demand, and turn attention into revenue, now. Visit CrimsonParkDigital.com to get started.
When tragedy struck one of Charlotte’s most visible tech companies last fall, it forced an unexpected leadership transition at a pivotal moment. LendingTree CEO Doug Lebda’s sudden death in October 2025 left the company — and the city — reeling. Within hours, longtime executive Scott Peyree was asked to step into the top role and steady a business serving millions of consumers nationwide.
In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Peyree about the night everything changed, how he learned of Lebda’s passing and what it meant to lead through grief while keeping a public company on track. In this conversation, they also discuss:
LendingTree’s roots, evolution and endurance through shifting tech and financial cycles
Why Charlotte remains central to the company’s future growth and hiring plans
The fastest-growing parts of LendingTree’s business, from small-business lending to personal loans
How AI could transform comparison shopping for mortgages, insurance, and loans
Why Peyree believes marketplaces like LendingTree still matter in an AI-driven world
And yes — why Alice in Chains still holds up
We hope you enjoy the conversation with Scott Peyree. For more information on LendingTree, visit LendingTree.com.
This episode of The Charlotte Ledger Podcast was produced by Lindsey Banks.
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