What title was historically used for the leader of the Communist Party of China, representing a break from Mao Zedong's era?

The historically used title that represents a significant break from the Mao Zedong era is General Secretary. This title became prominent in the late 20th century as the leadership structure of the Communist Party of China evolved. After Mao's death in 1976, the party sought to distance itself from the traits associated with his leadership style, particularly the concentration of power associated with the title "Chairman." The General Secretary title was adopted to promote a system that allowed for collective leadership and to mitigate the risks of dictatorial rule. This shift in titling signifies a commitment to reform and modernization within the Party and reflects the changes in governance and political structure in China during the post-Mao era. The other choices, such as Premier and Prime Minister, refer to government positions that differ from the leadership of the Communist Party itself and do not directly represent the ideological changes away from Mao's influence.