The owner of an LLC is called a "member."
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When you form a limited liability company (LLC), you must meet the state’s requirements for naming your business. Even though the naming rules are strict, there isn’t a set LLC owner title. You can choose one that reflects your position in the company, and not everyone calls themselves “President” or “CEO.” Whatever you call yourself, you need the title of an LLC owner to sign legal documents and secure financing.
With so many options for LLC titles, you might want a little guidance. Our team has put together some suggestions to help you find a title that suits you and your company. When you’re ready, use our LLC Formation Services to start your LLC and get ongoing support for your 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, you can use the built-in tile of “member” if you run a single-member LLC. Because LLCs can have multiple members (see multi-member LLC definition), you may need to use distinct LLC position titles to:
Depending on the member’s management responsibilities, you 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 you’re in charge of management responsibilities, some common business owner titles might be “managing member” or “member-manager.” However, a common title like this doesn’t convey to others that you hold the top-ranking position in the company.
Depending on your ownership structure, you 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, you 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.
You have leeway when choosing LLC titles for owners, but that doesn’t mean going all out. You might be tempted to use humorous titles or made-up titles, like “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 your owners, it helps to have a strategy. Take some time to think about how you want to represent yourself and your business. Remember that you’re going to use your title in professional situations, like applying for loans, networking, and signing contracts. The title you use should convey your role in the company and your authority in making business decisions.
The best business titles for LLC owners depend on the image you want to project. You can give yourself whatever title you want as long as you’re not misrepresenting your qualifications. The most popular titles include Owner, President, and CEO. Still, you’re free to choose a different option to fit your 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.
How many owners can an LLC have?
In most states, an LLC must have at least one member. There isn’t a limit on how many members you can have unless you want to qualify as an S-corp. In that case, you can have up to 100 members.
Is the owner of an LLC the CEO?
An LLC owner can use the CEO title, but they don’t have to. Each owner is called a member, though you can assign individual titles under the operating agreement terms.
Are the owners of an LLC called shareholders?
No. The owners of an LLC are called members. Only business entities organized as corporations have shareholders.
What are the titles for the officers of an LLC?
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.
Does an LLC have officers?
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.
Do LLCs have directors?
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.
Does it matter whose name is on the LLC?
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, you’ll want all the members to sign to show their involvement in the business.
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