What Should You Call Yourself as the Head of an LLC? (Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Title)

 

What Should You Call Yourself as the Head of an LLC? (Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Title)


One of the most common questions new business owners ask is:
“What should I call myself as the head of my LLC?”

Unlike corporations—which use titles like CEO, President, or Director—LLCs offer far more flexibility. You can choose a title that fits your business structure, your brand, and how formal (or informal) you want your company to appear.

This guide breaks down all the possible titles you can use as the head of an LLC, the legal meaning behind each one, and which title is best depending on how your LLC is managed.

Do LLCs Need Formal Titles?

Legally, no.
An LLC does not require a specific title for its top decision-maker.

However, using a title provides:

✔ Clarity for clients, vendors, and banks
✔ Authority when signing contracts
✔ Defined internal roles
✔ Professional credibility

Your title should reflect your authority within the company—especially if your LLC has more than one member.

Member-Managed vs. Manager-Managed LLC: Your Title Depends on the Structure

The first step in choosing your title is understanding your LLC’s management structure.

1. Member-Managed LLC (most common)

All owners (members) participate in running the business.

Common titles:

2. Manager-Managed LLC

Members appoint one or more managers to run day-to-day operations.

Common titles:

  • Manager

  • Managing Manager

  • CEO

  • President

  • Managing Director

In this structure, members are owners but may not run the daily operations.

Common Titles for the Head of an LLC (With Explanations)

Below is a list of the most accepted and professional titles for LLC leaders—along with what each one conveys.

1. Owner

Simple, clear, and accurate.

When to use:

✔ When you want a straightforward title
✔ When dealing with clients who may not know LLC terminology
✔ For single-member LLCs

Pros:

  • Easy to understand

  • No legal ambiguity

Cons:

  • Less formal than corporate titles

2. Member

This is the legally correct term for LLC owners.

When to use:

✔ In member-managed LLCs
✔ When signing legal documents

Pros:

  • Accurate and compliant

  • Recognized in legal and banking contexts

Cons:

  • Might confuse people unfamiliar with LLC terminology

3. Managing Member (very common for LLC heads)

Means you are both an owner and the person running the business.

When to use:

✔ When you’re the active operator
✔ When you want credibility without corporate titles

Pros:

  • Very professional

  • Clear legal meaning

  • Works for single-member and multi-member LLCs

Cons:

  • Slightly more formal than “Owner”

4. Manager / Managing Manager

Used when the LLC is manager-managed.

When to use:

✔ When members appoint you to run the business
✔ When you are not the only owner

Pros:

  • Reflects operational leadership

  • Common in real estate LLCs

Cons:

  • Not ideal if you want a corporate feel

5. CEO

A corporate-style title that signals a high level of leadership.

When to use:

✔ When working with investors or corporate clients
✔ When you want a polished business image
✔ When your LLC is scaling like a traditional company

Pros:

  • Universally recognized

  • Implies authority and professionalism

Cons:

  • Not as legally descriptive for an LLC

  • Might be too formal for small businesses

6. President

Another corporate title often used by professional LLCs.

When to use:

✔ For companies with employees
✔ When signing contracts on behalf of the company

Pros:

  • Highly respected in business settings

  • Clear leadership designation

Cons:

  • May feel too formal for small or creative businesses

7. Founder

Describes your role in starting the business—not your legal authority.

When to use:

✔ In branding and marketing
✔ On social media profiles
✔ In creative or startup environments

Pros:

  • Relatable and modern

  • Great for branding

Cons:

  • Not ideal for signing legal documents

8. Principal

A strong, professional title often used by consultants, agencies, and firms.

When to use:

✔ In professional services
✔ For agencies, design firms, accounting firms, etc.

Pros:

  • Formal but flexible

  • Works well for client-facing businesses

Cons:

  • Does not inherently show ownership

9. Managing Director

Has a corporate, international feel.

When to use:

✔ For global companies
✔ When working with international clients
✔ When you want a title similar to “CEO” or “Director”

Pros:

  • Senior leadership title

  • Recognized worldwide

Cons:

  • Can sound overly formal for small LLCs

10. Proprietor

A more old-fashioned business owner title.

When to use:

✔ For traditional businesses
✔ Retail shops, local businesses, and artisans

Pros:

  • Simple and friendly

Cons:

  • Less common today

  • Does not convey modern corporate structure

Which Title Should You Choose? (Decision Guide)

Use the guide below to pick the best title for your situation:

✔ Single-Member LLC

  • Owner

  • Member

  • Managing Member

  • Founder

  • CEO (if you want a corporate image)

✔ Multi-Member LLC

  • Managing Member

  • Manager

  • Principal

  • CEO or President (if formal hierarchy exists)

✔ Manager-Managed LLC

  • Manager

  • Managing Manager

  • CEO

  • President

✔ Client-Facing Service Businesses

  • Principal

  • Managing Member

  • Founder

✔ Startups

  • CEO

  • Founder & CEO

  • Managing Member

✔ Real Estate LLCs

  • Managing Member

  • Manager

  • Principal

Can You Use Multiple Titles?

Yes. Many LLC leaders use:

  • One title for legal documents (e.g., Managing Member)

  • Another title for branding (e.g., Founder or CEO)

This gives you professionalism and flexibility.

Which Titles Work Best for Legal Documents?

For signing contracts, banks, and government filings, the most recognized titles are:

✔ Member
✔ Managing Member
✔ Manager
✔ President
✔ CEO

These clearly signal authority to third parties.

How to Add Titles to Your LLC Documents

You can include titles in:

  • Operating Agreement

  • Initial resolutions

  • Bank resolutions

  • Employment contracts

  • Email signatures

  • Business cards

  • Website “About” page

It’s helpful to document your official title in your Operating Agreement, especially in multi-member LLCs.

Final Thoughts: What Should You Call Yourself as the Head of an LLC?

The best title depends on your LLC’s structure and the image you want to project.

Most professional and common choice:

→ Managing Member

Most straightforward:

→ Owner

Most corporate:

→ CEO or President

Most modern/startup-friendly:

→ Founder or Founder & CEO

Most accurate for manager-managed LLCs:

→ Manager

Whatever title you choose, make sure it reflects your authority and aligns with your company’s brand and operations.

Get Free Consultation with FormLLC

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