New York LLC
An owner of an LLC is called a "member."
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Last Updated: March 10, 2026
When someone forms a limited liability company (LLC), they must meet the state’s requirements for naming their business. Even though the naming rules are strict, there isn’t a set title for LLC owners. Owners can choose titles that best reflect their position in the company, and not everyone calls themselves “President” or “CEO.” Whatever an owner calls themselves, they need the title of an LLC owner to sign legal documents and secure financing.
With so many options for LLC titles, it’s natural for entrepreneurs to crave a little guidance. This guide offers suggestions to help entrepreneurs find a title that suits them and their companies. And when it’s time to formalize the business, those entrepreneurs can use the LLC Formation Services to start their LLC and get ongoing support for their business.
State business laws refer to an LLC owner as an “LLC member.” Most states require an LLC to have at least one member (see LLC member definition). Thus, an LLC owner can use the built-in title of “member” if they run a single-member LLC. Because LLCs can have multiple members (see multi-member LLC definition), the owners may need to use distinct LLC position titles to:
Depending on the member’s management responsibilities, LLC owners might want to use different job titles for each owner.
Many LLC owners share responsibility for company operations and managerial decisions. An LLC where all members are in charge of business-related decisions is called a “member-managed LLC.” However, the LLC’s flexible business structure allows members to appoint a manager to run the day-to-day operations. If a manager handles daily operations, it’s a “manager-managed LLC.”
LLC managers can be members, but they don’t have to be. If a member is responsible for management, common business owner titles might include “managing member” or “member-manager.” However, a common title like this doesn’t convey to others that a particular member holds the top-ranking position in the company.
Depending on the company’s ownership structure, the owners could use “traditional” titles as LLC member names. Some choices for a single-member LLC title are “Owner,” “President,” or “CEO” (Chief Executive Officer).
For multi-member LLCs, the members might use other corporate titles for LLC owners. These titles can include a COO (Chief Operating Officer) and CFO (Chief Financial Officer). Consider a CTO (Chief Technology Officer) or CIO (Chief Information Officer) title for technology-influenced industries.
Titles like “owner” or “founder” usually describe a small start-up company. Using more traditional titles in an LLC makes it sound like a larger company.
LLC owners have some leeway when choosing titles for the ownership team, but that doesn’t mean going all out. An LLC member might be tempted to use humorous or made-up titles, such as “Supreme Commander” or “Chief Coordinator.” However, choosing a vague or inaccurate title can give the wrong impression to lenders, investors, and associates. Also, consider avoiding titles like “partner” or “managing partner” because they indicate a partnership, not an LLC.
When choosing LLC titles for company owners, it helps for entrepreneurs to have a strategy. LLC owners may want to take time to think about how they want to represent themselves and their business. These titles will be used in professional situations, like applying for loans, networking, and signing contracts. The title a member uses should convey their role in the company and their authority in making business decisions.
The best business titles for LLC owners depend on the image they want to project. An LLC owner can give themselves whatever title they want as long as they’re not misrepresenting their qualifications. The most popular titles include Owner, President, and CEO. Still, they’re free to choose a different option to fit their business management style and structure.
Related: LLC for a Construction Company
Disclaimer: The content on this page is for informational purposes only, and doesn’t constitute legal, tax, or accounting advice. If you have specific questions about any of these topics, seek the counsel of a licensed professional.
In most states, an LLC must have at least one member. There isn’t a limit on how many members an LLC can have unless they want to qualify as an S-corp. In that case, the business can have up to 100 members.
An LLC owner can use the CEO title, but they don’t have to. Each owner is called a member, though members can assign individual titles under the operating agreement terms.
No. The owners of an LLC are called members. Only business entities organized as corporations have shareholders.
The members can assign LLC officer titles, like CEO, President, CFO, or Secretary, if it fits the company structure. But they can use different or additional titles, as well.
An LLC is operated by its members or by an elected manager. The members may vote to have officers approve business decisions or use officer titles like CEO or COO.
Ordinarily, business decisions for LLCs are made by the owners (called “members”) or a manager elected by the members. The members can choose to have a Board of Directors if that option is present in their operating agreement.
At least one LLC organizer must sign the Articles of Organization or Certificate of Formation. In some states, the organizer must be over 18. If the LLC is member-managed, it’s wise (and sometimes required) for all the members to sign to show their involvement in the business.
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