Signatory

A signatory is whoever actually signs a document. When a signatory signs on behalf of a company, they are binding the party they represent, not themselves personally, provided they have the authority to do so.

Authority is the thing to confirm. A signatory who lacks the power to bind their organization can create a signed document that is still hard to enforce. This is why many contracts include a line stating that each signatory represents they are authorized to sign, and why sending the agreement to the right person matters as much as getting it signed at all.