Geschäftsführungsfunktionen

Geschäftsführer, plural Geschäftsführer, is the title for the person or people responsible for the management and legal representation of a company in Germany and other German-speaking countries. In GmbH (Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung) and similar structures, the Geschäftsführer is the managing director or chief executive; in Aktiengesellschaften (AG) the executive management is typically the Vorstand, while “Geschäftsführer” remains a common term in smaller entities or in colloquial use. The term derives from Geschäfts- (business) and Führer (leader) and is used in neutral corporate language.

A Geschäftsführer is usually appointed by the shareholders or partners and is accountable to them. The appointment terms, including duration and scope of authority, are defined in the articles of association and the appointment agreement. The Geschäftsführer represents the company in legal matters and generally has signing authority, which can be limited by the company’s corporate rules or a power of attorney. They are responsible for day-to-day management, compliance with laws, timely accounting, and adherence to internal policies.

Duties include acting in the best interests of the company, avoiding conflicts of interest, and ensuring proper financial reporting. Breach of duties or lawful mismanagement can lead to civil liability to the company, and in some cases to third parties or to criminal liability if unlawful acts are involved. Removal typically requires a shareholders’ resolution, and termination can be by notice or at the end of the term. In larger corporations, the Geschäftsführer operates within a governance structure that may include a supervisory board (Aufsichtsrat) or other controls.

Etymology note: while the word Führer has historical weight, in corporate German Geschäftsführer is standard and neutral.