Key Takeaways

  • LLC job titles aren't standardized by law, giving flexibility to owners in choosing their titles.
  • Members can use traditional or customized titles depending on their industry and company image.
  • Avoid titles like “partner” or “proprietor” to maintain limited liability protection.
  • Officer titles are optional but often necessary for banking and corporate governance.
  • Different title choices (e.g., CEO, founder, managing director) convey various organizational structures and levels of authority.

LLC job titles are not dictated by the state, which means that the owner or owners of a limited liability company can determine their own titles. In general, LLC owners are referred to as members. When choosing a title, think about the impression you want to make on potential vendors, partners, customers, and stakeholders. You may want to choose traditional corporate titles such as president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, but you are not required to do so if you don't want to represent your small business as a large corporation. Because few rules about LLC titles exist, it can sometimes be challenging for new business owners to name these roles.

Official Names for LLC Owners and Managers

An LLC can have one or more than one member. Some LLCs are managed by one or more members, while others are run by a professional manager hired by the members. When creating an LLC, you will have to state whether the business is member-managed or manager-managed. Although these are official titles with the state, they may be confusing to those outside your business and don't need to be used when working with the public.

Choosing LLC Titles

When selecting titles for LLC members, you should strive to let stakeholders know that you have contract-signing authority for the LLC while avoiding titles that may mislead customers, vendors, or lenders. Common choices that work well include:

  • Owner is often chosen when the LLC only has one or a few members. This is a good choice because of its clarity and simplicity.
  • Managing member is preferred to simply member because it indicates managerial authority.
  • President is appropriate for most types of businesses.
  • Principal, which is often used by members of service firms.
  • Managing director, creative director, and technical director are popular titles for tech and creative LLCs.

Titles that should be avoided include those that are inappropriate or confusing, such as:

  • Those that include the word partner, such as managing partner, because a partnership is different than an LLC. That may create confusion that causes you to lose your limited liability protection.
  • Proprietor should be avoided for the same reason. A sole proprietorship does not offer limited liability protection.
  • Non-traditional titles that are difficult to understand, such as lead coordinator are not definitive.
  • Humorous titles; while these may play well with a millennial client base, they aren't necessarily as cute to investors.

Common Corporate Titles

You might consider other titles you have come across in the course of doing business. However, it's important for LLC members to avoid titles that might cause confusion with a corporate entity. For example, a shareholder holds shares in a corporation, but unlike an LLC member, does not have the right to participate in the company's management or sign contracts on its behalf.

Director is another title that typically refers to a corporation. This entity is run by a board of directors elected by shareholders. An LLC, on the other hand, is run either by the members or by managers appointed by the members.

A registered agent is a third party who is authorized to receive legal paperwork on behalf of the LLC and lives in the state where it is established. While an LLC member can act as a registered agent, you can also hire a professional registered agent. 

Appointing Officers

The officers of an LLC are appointed by the members or managers. The powers and responsibilities held by people in these positions are outlined in the LLC's articles of organization. Although corporations are required to appoint at least one officer, LLCs are typically not required to do so. However, the bank may require an officer to represent the company when you open business accounts.

Whether LLC members decide to appoint officers depends on the management structure, complexity, and size of the business. Common officer roles include the chair, who runs meetings of the managers; the president, who runs daily operations; the secretary, who keeps the LLC's official records and manages elections; and the treasurer, who is in charge of business finances and taxes. If you have a very large or very complicated LLC, you may appoint additional officers such as an assistant treasurer or assistant secretary.

How to Document LLC Positions Titles Internally

To formalize LLC positions titles and define authority, consider:

  • Including each member’s title and responsibilities in the operating agreement.
  • Creating a formal organizational chart.
  • Using resolutions to appoint officers or managers for major decisions.
  • Updating banking documents and contracts to reflect accurate titles.

While LLCs aren’t always legally required to document titles, doing so enhances legal clarity and professional presentation​.

Titles for Multi-Member LLCs

For LLCs with multiple members, assigning distinct titles can help define each person’s role and avoid power struggles. Popular structures include:

  • CEO – chief executive, overseeing strategy and high-level operations.
  • COO – handles day-to-day operations.
  • CFO – responsible for financial planning and analysis.
  • Partner – should be used cautiously unless clarified in the operating agreement.
  • Vice President – useful for departmental leadership (e.g., VP of Sales).

Each member’s responsibilities should be documented in the operating agreement to ensure smooth internal management and external credibility​.

Titles for Single-Member LLCs

In a single-member LLC, title selection often focuses on clarity and authority. Common title options include:

  • Owner
  • Sole Member
  • President
  • Managing Member
  • CEO

Using “Owner” is simple and widely understood, while “President” or “CEO” may better suit professional or investor-facing roles. The choice should reflect how the member wishes to represent the business both internally and externally​.

Non-Traditional and Industry-Specific Titles

Many LLCs adopt creative or industry-tailored titles to reflect their brand identity. These titles may appeal to customers, clients, or investors when used appropriately:

  • Creative Director – often used in design, fashion, or media companies.
  • Chief Technology Officer (CTO) – popular among tech startups.
  • Founder or Co-Founder – signals startup origin and entrepreneurial leadership.
  • General Counsel – denotes the company’s in-house legal authority.
  • Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) – used in marketing-driven businesses.

If your LLC operates in a non-traditional field, these titles can help convey competence and leadership within your niche, but they should be paired with clarity about authority and responsibilities​​.

Considerations for Member Titles in Manager-Managed LLCs

In manager-managed LLCs, members who do not participate in daily operations may opt for passive titles such as “Investor,” “Member,” or “Partner” (with care not to imply a general partnership). Only those with operational control should adopt titles like “Managing Member” or “President.” This helps clarify who has authority for contractual and financial decisions. Clearly defining these distinctions in your operating agreement minimizes confusion and enhances organizational transparency​.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the best title for a single-member LLC?
    “Owner,” “President,” or “Managing Member” are commonly used for clarity and professionalism.
  2. Can LLC members use corporate titles like CEO or CFO?
    Yes, LLCs can use corporate-style titles, but clarity in the operating agreement is important to define authority.
  3. Are officer roles required in an LLC?
    No, officer roles are optional but often beneficial for managing complex business operations or dealing with banks and partners.
  4. Can I call myself a partner in an LLC?
    It’s best to avoid “partner” as it may imply a general partnership and risk limited liability protection.
  5. Should titles be listed in the Articles of Organization?
    Not typically. Titles and responsibilities are usually detailed in the operating agreement or internal documents.

If you need help with structuring your limited liability company, you can post your legal need on UpCounsel's marketplace. UpCounsel accepts only the top 5 percent of lawyers to its site. Lawyers on UpCounsel come from law schools such as Harvard Law and Yale Law and average 14 years of legal experience, including work with or on behalf of companies like Google, Menlo Ventures, and Airbnb.