Key Takeaways

  • LLC titles clarify the roles, responsibilities, and authority of individuals within the company.
  • Common LLC titles include Member, Managing Member, Manager, CEO, President, and variations like Managing Director.
  • In manager-managed LLCs, non-managing members cannot use “manager” or “managing member” as a title.
  • Some states have rules about required or restricted titles, and the operating agreement should define titles clearly.
  • Avoid misleading or unprofessional titles that could cause confusion with other business structures.
  • Titles may also influence credibility with clients, investors, and vendors, so they should be chosen with care.

LLC member titles may differ from state to state, but most use similar terms. The titles are used to establish the roles of individuals and their responsibilities to the limited liability company. Titles may be for corporate offices, such as "vice president," while others may be required by law for your state.

Overview of LLC Officer Titles

Anyone who has an ownership interest in a limited liability company is a member/owner. All members involved with an LLC have an active part in the way the company is managed as well as the authority to enter into binding contracts.

An exception would be if the LLC is manager-managed or the operating agreement stipulates some other arrangement. Within your operating agreement, each member's responsibilities and powers should be clearly outlined.

In an LLC business structure, officers or employees may or may not be a member. To be a member, an employee or an officer must have an ownership interest in the limited liability company. 

State Requirements and Legal Considerations for LLC Titles

While most states do not require specific LLC titles, some may have guidelines or restrictions. For example, certain jurisdictions require that member or manager titles be listed in formation documents or annual reports. Your LLC operating agreement should always align with state rules to avoid compliance issues. In addition, titles used on contracts, invoices, and bank documents must match official company records to ensure enforceability. Using a title that implies authority you do not have—such as “Managing Member” in a manager-managed LLC when you are not a manager—can create legal and financial risks.

LLC Manager or Managing Members

Two of the titles used within an LLC structure are "member-managed LLC" (members) and "manager-managed LLC" (managers/managing members). These titles specify the person/people who have the duties of managing the company and contractually binding the company. 

When forming a limited liability company, there are two designations regarding the management of the company. When the LLC is a manager-managed company, the management is delegated to a third-party person. In a managing-members company, management is handled by either a member or group of members.

In most cases, limited liability companies are set up as member-managed. However, choosing to be manager-managed is an option if it suits the needs of your business better.

Members of an LLC who are not designated as managing members are not involved in the day-to-day operation/management of the business. These members also do not have any authority to make binding contracts with other companies.

Two additional titles are "internal manager" and "external manager." An internal manager is a person who manages and owns the LLC. An external manager manages the LLC but has no ownership. 

Differences Between Member, Manager, and Officer Roles

It’s important to distinguish between members, managers, and officers in an LLC:

  • Members – Owners of the LLC with an equity stake. Their involvement in daily operations depends on whether the LLC is member-managed or manager-managed.
  • Managers – Individuals (members or non-members) appointed to handle day-to-day business operations in a manager-managed LLC.
  • Officers – Positions like CEO, CFO, or Secretary that may be assigned to members, managers, or employees for operational purposes. These titles are often adopted for external business relations but do not necessarily indicate ownership.

Clearly defining these roles helps avoid confusion and ensures that authority is respected internally and externally.

Choosing a Title

There are two rules to follow when choosing a title for yourself. The first is selecting a title that immediately lets someone know you are the person in charge who has the authority to agree to and sign contracts on behalf of the LLC. The second rule is never to choose a title that is misleading. 

Consider these title choices to accurately represent your position within the LLC:

  • Owner: Used when there is only one member or a limited number of members.
  • Managing member: Adding the word "manager" clarifies your position.
  • Managing director: You may also use "creative director" or "technical director," but these are not as professional as "LLC President" or "LLC CEO."
  • CEO or president: These are also acceptable as your designated title.

There are some rules in place regarding the use of "member" or "managing member." For example, if you own all or a portion of an LLC and it is member-managed, you would use the title of either "member" or "managing member."

If you own some portion of the LLC and it is manager-managed by members other than yourself, you must use "member" as your title. Using either "manager" or "managing member" is not an option.

If the LLC is manager-managed by a third party or an external person or persons, you must use "member" as your title. "Managing-member" and "manager" cannot be used.

If you are the owner of all or a portion of the LLC and it is manager-managed by you, then "managing member" or "manager" is an applicable title.

Factors to Consider When Selecting an LLC Title

When choosing an LLC title, consider:

  1. External Perception – Titles like “CEO” or “President” may project a more formal corporate image, while “Member” or “Managing Member” are more transparent about LLC ownership.
  2. Industry Norms – Some industries expect specific titles for credibility (e.g., “Creative Director” in marketing agencies).
  3. Business Structure – Align your title with your LLC’s management structure to avoid misrepresentation.
  4. Operational Needs – If your title will appear on contracts or official communications, choose one that clearly shows your authority.
  5. Future Growth – Select a title flexible enough to accommodate potential restructuring, new hires, or expansion.

Creative and Informal Titles—When They Work and When They Don’t

Some LLC owners adopt creative titles like “Chief Visionary Officer” or “Head of Happiness” to reflect company culture. While these may work in informal or internally focused contexts, they can create confusion in legal or financial dealings. If using an unconventional title, pair it with a traditional designation on official documents—e.g., “Chief Visionary Officer / Managing Member”—to maintain professionalism and clarity in external relationships.

Titles to Avoid

  • Managing partner: Using the words "managing partner" or any deviation with the word "partner" can cause confusion, as a partnership is a different business structure than an LLC.
  • Proprietor: "Proprietor" can also be confusing in terms of the owner of a sole proprietorship. Like partnerships, sole proprietorships do not offer any liability protections.
  • Made up names: While you may think it is creative, most business people will better understand a traditional title that clarifies your position versus guessing at what a title means. It is best to either avoid made up names or combine them with a traditional title, such as "Lead Coordinator/CEO." Refrain from cutesy, humorous titles like "Fearless Leader," as you may not be taken seriously when negotiating contracts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I call myself CEO of my LLC?

Yes, if your operating agreement permits it and you have the authority to act as the company’s top executive.

2. Do LLC titles have to be listed in state filings?

Not always, but some states require them in formation documents or annual reports.

3. What’s the difference between a member and a managing member?

A member is an owner; a managing member both owns the LLC and has authority to manage daily operations.

4. Can an LLC have officers like a corporation?

Yes, LLCs can assign officer titles such as CEO, CFO, or Secretary for operational purposes.

5. Should I use a creative title for my LLC role?

Only in informal contexts. For contracts and official dealings, pair creative titles with standard ones to avoid confusion.

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