UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

SCHEDULE 14A

Proxy Statement Pursuant to Section 14(a) of the Securities

Exchange Act of 1934 (Amendment No.        )

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þDefinitive Proxy Statement
¨Definitive Additional Materials
¨Soliciting Material Pursuant to §240.14a-12

Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated

 

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

 

 

(Name of Person(s) Filing Proxy Statement, if Other Than the Registrant)

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LOGOSYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

LOGOApril 15, 2015

Dear Shareholder:

400 North Ashley Drive

Tampa, Florida 33602

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

TO BE HELD MAY 17, 2012

ToI am pleased to invite you to attend the Shareholders of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated:

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that theIncorporated 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated (the “Company”)Shareholders. The meeting will be held at the Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel, 200 N.offices of the Tampa Bay Wave, 400 North Ashley Drive, 2nd Floor, Tampa, Florida, 33602 on Thursday,Tuesday, May 17, 2012,19, 2015, at 9:8:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time, forTime. In the following purposes:

1.To elect two directors to hold office until the 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders;

2.To hold a shareholder advisory vote on executive compensation;

3.To approve the Fifth Amended and Restated 2004 Non-employee Director Fee Plan;

4.To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors of the Company; and

5.To transact any other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting.

Only shareholderspages, you will find the Notice of recordAnnual Meeting of Shareholders as ofwell as a proxy statement which describes the closeitems of business on March 22, 2012, willto be entitled to voteconducted at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting. Information relating to the matters to be considered and voted on at the Annual Meeting is set forth in the proxy statement accompanying this Notice.

By Order of the Board of Directors,
LOGO
James T. Holder
Secretary

April 13, 2012

IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE SHAREHOLDERS MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 17, 2012meeting.

This proxy statement and our 2011 Annual ReportYour vote is important, so to Shareholders are available at:

https://materials.proxyvote.com/871237

YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT

To assure your representation at the Annual Meeting, please vote on the matters to be considered at the Annual Meetingdescribed in this proxy statement by completing the enclosed proxy card and mailing it promptly in the enclosed envelope. If your shares are held in street name by a brokerage firm, bank or other nominee, the nominee will supply you with a proxy card to be returned to it. It is important that you return the proxy card as quickly as possible so that the nominee may vote your shares. If your shares are held in street name by a nominee, you may not vote suchthose shares in person at the Annual Meeting unless you obtain a power of attorney or legal proxy from suchthat nominee authorizing you to vote the shares, and you present thisthat power of attorney or proxy at the Annual Meeting.

Sincerely,

LOGO
James T. Holder
Secretary

Important notice regarding the availability of proxy materials

for the Shareholders Meeting To Be Held On May 19, 2015

This proxy statement and our 2014 Annual Report to Shareholders are available at:

https://materials.proxyvote.com/871237


LOGOTABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

Notice of 2015 Annual Meeting of Shareholders

1

General Information

2

Proposal 1: Election of Directors

3

Director Qualifications and Biographical Information

5

Corporate Governance

9

Director Compensation

15

Compensation Discussion and Analysis

17

Compensation Committee Report

30

Executive Compensation

31

Proposal 2: Advisory Vote to Approve Executive Compensation

45

Proposal 3: Ratification of the Appointment of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

46

Audit Committee Disclosure

47

Report of the Audit Committee

49

Security Ownership

50

Section  16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

51

Requirements, Including Deadlines, for Submission of Proxy Proposals and Nomination of Directors

52

Other Matters

52


SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

400 North Ashley Drive

Tampa, Florida 33602

LOGO

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Date and Time:8:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Savings time on May 19, 2015
Place:

Offices of the Tampa Bay Wave

400 North Ashley Drive, 2nd Floor, Tampa, Florida, 33602

Items of Business:

1.    To elect three directors to hold office until the 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders;

2.    To hold a shareholder advisory vote on executive compensation;

3.    To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors of the Company; and

4.    To transact any other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting.

Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 20, 2015, will be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting or any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting. Information relating to the matters to be considered and voted on at the Annual Meeting is set forth in the proxy statement accompanying this Notice.

Tampa, Florida

April 15, 2015

By Order of the Board of Directors,
LOGO
James T. Holder
Secretary


  GENERAL INFORMATION  

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

400 North Ashley Drive

Tampa, Florida 33602

PROXY STATEMENT

FOR

20122015 ANNUAL MEETING OF SHAREHOLDERS

Tuesday, May 19, 2015

GENERAL INFORMATION

This Proxy Statementproxy statement is furnished in connection with the solicitation of proxies on behalf of the Board of Directors of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated (the “Company”) for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders (the “Annual Meeting”) to be held at the Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel, 200 N.offices of the Tampa Bay Wave, 400 North Ashley Drive, 2nd floor, Tampa, Florida, 33602, on Thursday,Tuesday, May 17, 2012,19,

2015, at 9:8:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time, orand any adjournment or postponement of the Annual Meeting.

This Proxy Statementproxy statement and the annual report to shareholders of the Company for the year ended December 31, 20112014 are first being mailed on or about April 17, 20122015 to shareholders entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

SHAREHOLDERS ENTITLED TO VOTEShareholders Entitled To Vote

The record date for the Annual Meeting is March 22, 2012.20, 2015. Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on the record date are entitled to notice of the Annual Meeting and to vote at the Annual Meeting. As of the record date, 43,419,78843,306,605 shares of common stock were outstanding and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

Votes cast by proxy or in person at the Annual Meeting will be tabulated by the inspector of elections appointed for the Annual Meeting, who will also determine whether a quorum is present for the transaction of business. The Company’s Bylaws provide that a quorum is present if the holders of a majority of the issued and outstanding shares of common stock entitled to vote at the meeting are present in person or represented by proxy. Abstentions will be counted as shares that are present and entitled to vote for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present. Shares held by nominees for beneficial owners will also be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present if the nominee has the discretion to vote on at least one of the matters presented, even though the nominee may not exercise discretionary voting power with respect to other matters and even though voting instructions have not been received from the beneficial owner (a “broker non-vote”). At the Annual Meeting, if a quorum exists, directors will be elected by a pluralitymajority vote, as more fully described under Proposal 1 – Election of the votes cast in the election.Directors below. Approval of the other proposals will require the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on the proposal at the Annual Meeting. Broker non-votes will not be counted as votes cast in determining whether a Proposal has been approved.

Shareholders are requested to vote by completing the enclosed Proxy and returning it signed and dated in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. Shareholders are urged to

indicate their votes in the spaces provided on the Proxy. Proxies solicited by the Board of Directors of the Company will be voted in accordance with the directions given in the Proxy. Where no instructions are indicated, signed Proxies will be voted FOR each of the proposals listed in the Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Returning your completed Proxy will not prevent you from voting in person at the Annual Meeting, should you be present and wish to do so.


Any shareholder giving a Proxy has the power to revoke it at any time before it is exercised by:

 

filing with the Secretary of the Company written notice of revocation,

 

submitting a duly executed Proxy bearing a later date than the previous Proxy, or

 

appearing at the Annual Meeting and voting in person.

Proxies solicited by this Proxy Statementproxy statement may be exercised only at the Annual Meeting and any adjournment of the Annual Meeting and will not be used for any other meeting. Proxies solicited by this Proxy Statementproxy statement will be returned to the Board of Directors and will be tabulated by an inspector of elections designated by the Board of Directors.

The cost of solicitation of Proxies by mail on behalf of the Board of Directors will be borne by the Company. Proxies also may be solicited by personal interview or by telephone by directors, officers, and other employees of the Company without additional compensation. The Company also has made arrangements with brokerage firms, banks, nominees, and other fiduciaries that hold shares on behalf of others to forward proxy solicitation materials to the beneficial owners of such shares. The Company will reimburse such record holders for their reasonable out-of-pocket expenses.

2    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

PROPOSAL 1:

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

The Company’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) currently is comprised of 119 individuals, and is divided into three classes (designated “CLASS I,” “CLASS II,” and “CLASS III”), as nearly equal in number as possible, with each class serving a three-year term expiring at the third annual meeting of shareholders after its election. The term of the three current CLASS III directors will expire at the Annual Meeting. Mr. Furman P. Bodenheimer, Jr., whose term is expiring at this meeting, and who has served on the Board for more than 20 years, has notified the Board that he will retire and not stand for re-election this year. The Company’s Board of Directors, upon the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has determined to reduce the size of the Board of Directors by one following the end ofnominated Mr. Bodenheimer’s term, (resulting in a 10 member Board) and have nominated Charles E. Sykes, Mr. James K. Murray, Jr. and Mr. William J. Meurer to stand for re-electionelection, as CLASS III directors, whose terms will all expire at the 20152018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

Provided that a quorum is present at the Annual Meeting, each nominee shall be elected by the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast with respect to that nominee’s election. A majority of votes cast means that the number of shares voted “for” a director’s election exceeds 50% of the number of votes cast with respect to that director’s election.

Votes cast shall include (i) votes for the election of such director and (ii) votes against the election of such director, and shall exclude abstentions with respect to that director’s election and broker non-votes.

Incumbent directors Sykes, Murray and Meurer have provided to the Company contingent letters of resignation from the Board which shall become effective only if such director fails to receive a sufficient number of votes for re-election at the Annual Meeting and the Board determines to accept the resignation. The Board will consider and act upon the letter of resignation of a director who fails to receive the affirmative vote of a majority of the votes cast on his election within ninety (90) days after the date on which the election results were certified and will promptly make public disclosure of the results of its decision. The Board, in making its decision, may consider any factors or other information that it considers appropriate and relevant. The director who has tendered his resignation shall not participate in the decision of the Board with respect to his resignation. If such incumbent director’s resignation is not accepted by the Board, such director shall continue to serve until his successor is duly elected, or his earlier resignation or removal.

In the event any nominee is unable to serve, the persons designated as proxies will cast votes for such other person in their discretion as a substitute nominee. The Board of Directors has no reason to believe that the nominees named herein will be unavailable or, if elected, will decline to serve.

RECOMMENDATIONTHE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THE FOLLOWING NOMINEES FOR ELECTION AS DIRECTORS IN THE CLASS SPECIFIED AND URGES EACH SHAREHOLDER TO VOTE “FOR” THE NOMINEES. EXECUTED PROXIES IN THE ACCOMPANYING FORM THAT ARE NOT OTHERWISE MARKED WILL BE VOTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING “FOR” THE ELECTION AS DIRECTORS OF THE BOARD:NOMINEES NAMED BELOW.

The Board of Directors recommends the following nomineesStanding for election as directors in the Class specified and urges each shareholder to vote “FOR” the nominees. Executed proxies in the accompanying form will be votedElection at the 2015 Annual Meeting “FOR” the election as directors of the nominees named below, unless authority to do so is withheld.

 

2


DIRECTORS STANDING FOR ELECTION AT THE 2012 ANNUAL MEETING

CLASS III — TERM EXPIRES AT THE 20122015 ANNUAL MEETINGMEETING.

 

Name  Age     Position(s) with the Company    Director
Since
 

Charles E. Sykes

   52      Director, President & Chief Executive Officer     2004  

William J. Meurer(4)(3)(5)

   71      Director & Chairman of the Audit Committee     2000  

James K. Murray, Jr.(2)(5)

   79      Director & Chairman of the Finance Committee     2005  

Directors Whose Term of Office Continues

CLASS II — TERM EXPIRES AT THE 2016 ANNUAL MEETING.

Name  Age     Position(s) with the Company    Director
Since
 

Paul L. Whiting(1)(4)

   71      Director & Non-Executive Chairman     2003  

Lt. General Michael DeLong (Ret.)(2)(3)

   69      Director     2003  

Iain A. Macdonald(4)(5)

   70      Director     2004  

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement3


  PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

CLASS I — TERM EXPIRES AT THE 2017 ANNUAL MEETING.

Name  Age     Position(s) with the Company    Director
Since
 

James S. MacLeod(2)(4)(5)

   67      Director     2005  

William D. Muir, Jr. (2)(5)

   46      Director     2014  

Lorraine Leigh Lutton (3)(4)

   49      Director     2014  

(1)

Chairman of the Board

(2)

Member of the Compensation Committee

(3)

Member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

(4)

Member of the Audit Committee

(5)

Member of the Finance Committee

4    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


Name

 Age  PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

Director Qualifications and Biographical Information

Biographical information for each of the director nominees is set forth below, including the key qualifications, experience, attributes, and skills that led our Board to the conclusion that each of the director nominees should serve as a director.

Our Board includes individuals with strong backgrounds in executive leadership and management, accounting and finance, and Company and industry knowledge, and we believe that, as a group, they work effectively together in overseeing our business. We believe that our directors hold themselves to the highest standards of integrity and that they are committed to representing the long-term best interests of our stockholders. While we do not have a formal diversity policy, we believe that our directors’ diversity of backgrounds and experiences, which include public accounting, military, aerospace, manufacturing, banking, technology, healthcare, telecommunications, finance, medical and retail, results in different ideas and varying viewpoints that contribute to effective oversight of our business.

Mr. Whiting

Director Since December 2003

Paul L. Whiting was elected to the Board of Directors in December 2003 and was elected Non-Executive Chairman in August 2004. He is also a member of the Board’s Audit Committee. Since 1997, Mr. Whiting has been President of Seabreeze Holdings, Inc., a privately held investment company. Previously, Mr. Whiting held various positions within Spalding & Evenflo Companies, Inc., including Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Presently, Mr. Whiting sits on the boards of TECO Energy, Inc. (a public company) and Tampa Electric Company, New Mexico Gas Company, The Bank of Tampa and its holding company, The Tampa Bay Banking Co. Mr. Whiting also serves on the boards of various civic organizations, including, among others, the Academy Prep Center of Tampa, Inc., a full scholarship, private, college preparatory middle school for low-income children, where he is a Trustee and past Board President.

Qualifications:

Mr. Whiting’s public company CEO, CFO and director experience as well as his private investment company business experience provides a unique combination of leadership, financial and business analytical skills, business judgment and investment banking knowledge to the Board as the Company’s non-executive Chairman.

Lt. Gen. DeLong

Director Since September 2003

Lt. General Michael DeLong (USMC Retired) was elected to the Board of Directors in September 2003 and is Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and a member the Compensation Committee. From October 2003 to February 2008, Lt. Gen. DeLong served as Vice Chairman of Shaw Arabia Limited, President of Shaw CentCom Services, LLC, and Senior Vice President of the Shaw Group, Inc. From February, 2008 through February 2013, Lt. Gen. DeLong served as Vice President of Boeing International Corporation. On March 1, 2013, Lt. Gen. DeLong was named President and CEO and General Manager of Gulf to Gulf Contractors International and serves as an advocate for several companies in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia in transactions with Boeing. From 1967 until his retirement on November 1, 2003, Lt. Gen. DeLong led a distinguished military career, most recently serving as the Deputy Commander, United States Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida. He holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial Management from Central Michigan University and an honorary Doctorate in Strategic Intelligence from the Joint Military Intelligence College and graduated from the Naval Academy as an Aeronautical Engineer.

Qualifications:

Gen. DeLong’s military career, together with his international business executive experience, allows him to bring to the Board leadership and skills in strategic analysis and judgment as well as a knowledge of international business and political environments.

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement5


  PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS   

Principal Occupation and Other Information

Charles E. Sykes

 49

Charles E. Sykes was elected to the Board of Directors in August 2004 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Company’s founder and former Chairman, John H. Sykes. Mr. Charles Sykes joined the Company in September 1986 and has served in numerous capacities throughout his years with the Company. Mr. Charles Sykes was appointed as Vice President of Sales, North America in 1999 and between the years of 2000 to 2003 served as Group Executive, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Alliances, and Senior Vice President of Global Operations. Mr. Sykes was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in July, 2003 and was named President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2004. Mr. Sykes received his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University in 1985. He currently serves on the board of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, Trustee of the University of Tampa, Vice-Chairman of the Tampa Bay Partnership, as a director of Feeding America of Tampa Bay, Inc. and is a member of the Florida Council of 100.

As the chief executive officer of the Company, Mr. Sykes provides the Board with information gained from hands-on management of Company operations, identifying near-term and long-term goals, challenges and opportunities. As the son of the Company’s founder and having worked for the Company for his full career, he brings a continuity of mission and values on which the Company was established.

Mr. Macdonald

 

3Director Since May 2004

Iain A. Macdonald was originally elected to the Board of Directors in 1998 and served until 2001, when he resigned for personal reasons. Mr. Macdonald was re-elected to the Board of Directors in May 2004 and since then has been a member of the Audit Committee. In December 2012, Mr. Macdonald was also appointed as a member of the Finance Committee. During the past 10 years, Mr. Macdonald has served on the boards of a series of technology-based business ventures in the UK, which he has assisted to develop and obtain funding. He was a founding partner, and is currently Chairman of Yakara Ltd., a developer of SMS and IVR telecommunications software solutions and is a former member of the Board of Northern AIM VCT plc, which is a venture capital investment fund. From 2008 to 2011, he served on the Board of Scottish Enterprise, Scotland’s economic development agency. Prior to joining the Company’s Board in 1998, Mr. Macdonald served as a director of McQueen International Ltd. from 1996 until its acquisition by the Company in 1998.

Qualifications:

Having served as a director of an entity in the UK which was acquired by the Company in 1998, Mr. Macdonald offers a unique institutional viewpoint and depth of industry knowledge. He also brings to the Board considerable leadership, international business, information technology, business software, financial and governmental experience.

Mr. Sykes

Director Since August 2004

Charles E. Sykes was elected to the Board of Directors in August 2004 to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of the Company’s founder and former Chairman, John H. Sykes. Mr. Charles Sykes joined the Company in September 1986 and has served in numerous capacities throughout his years with the Company. Mr. Sykes was appointed as Vice President of Sales, North America in 1999 and between the years of 2000 to 2003 served as Group Executive, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Global Alliances, and Senior Vice President of Global Operations. Mr. Sykes was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer in July, 2003 and was named President and Chief Executive Officer in August 2004. Mr. Sykes received his Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering from North Carolina State University in 1985. He currently serves on the boards of the Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce, the Tampa Bay Partnership and the Tampa Bay Metro Board of the American Heart Association, as a Trustee of the University of Tampa, as a director of Feeding America of Tampa Bay, Inc. and Junior Achievement of Tampa Bay, serves on the Board of Visitors for North Carolina State University, and is a member of the Florida Council of 100.

Qualifications:

As the Chief Executive Officer of the Company, Mr. Sykes provides the Board with information gained from hands-on management of Company operations, identifying near-term and long-term goals, challenges and opportunities. As the son of the Company’s founder and having worked for the Company for his full career, he brings a continuity of mission and values on which the Company was established.

6    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


Name

 Age  PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS  

Mr. MacLeod

Director Since May 2005

James S. MacLeod was elected to the Board of Directors in May 2005 and is Chairman of the Compensation Committee and is a member of the Audit Committee and the Finance Committee. Mr. MacLeod has served in various positions at CoastalStates Bank in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina since February 2004 and is currently its President. Mr. MacLeod also serves on the Board of Directors of CoastalStates Bank and has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of CoastalSouth Bancshares, its holding company, since 2011. From June 1982 to February 2004, he held various positions at Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corp in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the last 7 years serving as its Executive Vice President. Mr. MacLeod has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Tampa, a Master of Science in Real Estate and Urban Affairs from Georgia State University and a Masters in City Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Mr. MacLeod is also a Trustee of the Allianz Global Investors Funds and serves as Chairman of their Governance Committee.

Qualifications:

As a result of his extensive financial services background, Mr. MacLeod brings to the Board valuable financial analytical skills and experience, a deep understanding of cash transaction and management issues, as well as business acumen and judgment.

Mr. Murray

Director Since May 2005

James (“Jack”) K. Murray, Jr., was elected to the Board of Directors in May 2005 and is a member and Chairman of the Finance Committee and a member of the Compensation Committee. Mr. Murray currently serves as Chairman of Murray Corporation, a private venture capital enterprise based in Tampa, Florida. Mr. Murray also serves as President of Murray Advisors, Inc. and as Chairman of the Advisory Board of HealthEdge Investment Fund II, a private equity fund focused primarily on investments in the health care field. In 1970, Mr. Murray was one of the founders of a company that is today HealthPlan Services, Inc. which was acquired by The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (NYSE:DNB) in 1978. From 1978 through 1993, Mr. Murray served in various capacities for Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, including President of Dun & Bradstreet Credit Services, and from 1990 through 1993, served in various capacities including President, principal executive officer and Chairman for the Reuben H. Donnelley Corp., a publisher of telephone yellow pages. In 1994, Mr. Murray and other financial partners acquired HealthPlan Services from Dun & Bradstreet. In May 1995, HealthPlan Services became a public company and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Mr. Murray retired from HealthPlan Services in 2000. Mr. Murray serves on the boards of the University of Tampa, Canterbury Towers, and The General Theological Seminary.

Qualifications:

Mr. Murray’s diverse experience in both the public company and private venture capital arenas allows him to bring to the Board significant leadership skills as well as business, transactional and financial analytic skills.

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement7


  PROPOSAL 1: ELECTION OF DIRECTORS   

Principal Occupation and Other Information

William J. Meurer

 68

William J. Meurer was elected to the Board of Directors in October 2000 and is a member and Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Finance Committee. Previously, Mr. Meurer was employed for 35 years with Arthur Andersen LLP where he served most recently as the Managing Partner for Arthur Andersen’s Central Florida operations. Since retiring from Arthur Andersen in 2000, Mr. Meurer has been a private investor and consultant. Mr. Meurer also serves on the Board of Trustees for Lifelink Foundation, Inc. and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Eagle Family of Funds and Walter Investment Management Corporation.

As former managing partner of an international public accounting firm, Mr. Meurer brings to our Board relevant experience with financial accounting, audit and reporting issues, SEC filings and complex corporate transactions.

 

4


DIRECTORS WHOSE TERMS OF OFFICE CONTINUE

CLASS II — TERM EXPIRES AT THE 2013 ANNUAL MEETINGMr. Meurer

 

Director Since October 2000

William J. Meurer was elected to the Board of Directors in October 2000 and is a member and Chairman of the Audit Committee and a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Previously, Mr. Meurer was employed for 35 years with Arthur Andersen LLP where he served most recently as the Managing Partner for Arthur Andersen’s Central Florida operations. Since retiring from Arthur Andersen in 2000, Mr. Meurer has been a private investor and consultant. Mr. Meurer also serves on the Board of Trustees for Lifelink Foundation, Inc. and as a member of the Board of Directors of the Eagle Family of Funds and Walter Investment Management Corporation.

Qualifications:

As former managing partner of an international public accounting firm, Mr. Meurer brings to our Board relevant experience with financial accounting, audit and reporting issues, SEC filings and complex corporate transactions.

Ms. Lutton

Director Since May 2014

Lorraine L. Lutton was elected to the Board of Directors in 2014 and is a member of the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees. Ms. Lutton serves as the President of St. Joseph’s Hospital, a 529 bed tertiary acute care facility in Tampa, Florida and member of the BayCare Health System, as well as the Hillsborough County Market Leader for BayCare Health System, where her responsibilities include representing BayCare to the community, serving as the local liaison to the St. Joseph’s-Baptist Healthcare Governing Board and coordinating all of BayCare’s acute care facilities in Hillsborough County, including St. Joseph’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Women’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Children’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Hospital-North, St. Joseph’s Hospital-South and South Florida Baptist Hospital in Plant City, totaling over 1,000 beds. Ms. Lutton has been employed by St. Joseph’s in a variety of roles since 1992, serving most recently as Chief Operating Officer from 2004 to 2013, when she was named as President. Ms. Lutton received her bachelor’s degree in public health, health policy and administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and her master’s degree in business administration from the Anderson Graduate School of Management at UCLA. Ms. Lutton is a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Qualifications:

Ms. Lutton brings to our Board substantial business experience in the healthcare arena, as well as communication, planning, organizational and management skills.

Mr. Muir

Director Since May 2014

William D. Muir, Jr. was elected to the Board of Directors in 2014 and is a member of the Compensation and Finance Committees. Mr. Muir serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Jabil Circuit, Inc. (NYSE: JBL), having been promoted to this position in 2013. From 2009 to 2013, Mr. Muir served as Jabil’s Executive Vice President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Manufacturing Services, responsible for $14B of annual revenue with commercial leadership across diversified markets, including Healthcare & Life Sciences, Enterprise & Infrastructure, High Velocity and Industrial & Clean-tech. Additionally, Mr. Muir led the global, integrated capabilities in Operations, Supply Chain and Design which underpin these diversified businesses. Previously, Mr. Muir served as Regional President for Asia, responsible for Jabil’s Operations and Business Development efforts across China, India, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan. In this capacity, he resided in Shanghai from 2004 through 2007 and subsequently in Singapore until 2009. Prior to his leadership role in Asia, Mr. Muir led Global Business Development efforts for Jabil across large-scale customer relationships and has also held roles leading Operations across the Americas.

Qualifications:

Mr. Muir brings to our Board a diverse background spanning engineering, manufacturing, supply chain, business development, and operations. He has been a leader in information technology, supply chain, security, quality, engineering innovation, and global, strategic accounts. Mr. Muir’s decade long global and domestic profit and loss responsibility also brings valuable business financial acumen to the Board.

8    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


Name

 Age  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

Principal Occupation and Other Information

Paul L. Whiting


68

Paul L. Whiting was elected to the Board of Directors in December 2003 and was elected Non-Executive Chairman in August 2004. He is also a member of the Board’s Audit Committee. Since 1997, Mr. Whiting has been President of Seabreeze Holdings, Inc., a privately held investment company. From 1991 through 1996, Mr. Whiting held various positions within Spalding & Evenflo Companies, Inc., including Chief Executive Officer. Presently, Mr. Whiting sits on the boards of TECO Energy, Inc. (a public company), Florida Investment Advisors, Inc., The Bank of Tampa and its holding company, The Tampa Banking Co. Mr. Whiting also serves on the board of the Florida West Coast Public Broadcasting, Inc. as well as the boards of various civic organizations, including, among others, the Academy Prep Center of Tampa, Inc., a full scholarship, private, college preparatory middle school for low-income children, where he is the Board President.

Mr. Whiting’s public company CEO, CFO and director experience as well as his private investment company business experience provides a unique combination of leadership, financial and business analytical skills, business judgment and investment banking knowledge to the Board as the Company’s non-executive Chairman.

Mark C. Bozek

52

Mark C. Bozek was elected to the Board of Directors in August 2003 and is a member and Chairman of the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee. Mr. Bozek is the President of Galgos Entertainment, a privately held media company which he founded in January 2003. From March 1997 until February 2003, Mr. Bozek served as the Chief Executive Officer of HSN (f/k/a Home Shopping Network). From April 1993 until February 1996, Mr. Bozek served as the Vice President of Broadcasting for QVC.

Mr. Bozek’s experience as a public company CEO in a call center enabled business equips him to provide industry insight to the Board and management on strategic and business planning and operations as well as employee relations, development and management succession.

 

5


Name

Age

Principal Occupation and Other Information

Lt. General Michael DeLong (Ret.)

66

Lt. General Michael DeLong (USMC Retired) was elected to the Board of Directors in September 2003 and is a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Since October 2003, Lt. Gen. DeLong has served as Vice Chairman of Shaw Arabia Limited, President of Shaw CentCom Services, LLC, and Senior Vice President of the Shaw Group, Inc. On February 19, 2008, Lt. Gen. DeLong was named Vice President of Boeing International Corporation. From 1967 until his retirement on November 1, 2003, Lt. Gen. DeLong led a distinguished military career, most recently serving as the Deputy Commander, United States Central Command at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Florida. He holds a Master’s Degree in Industrial Management from Central Michigan University and an honorary Doctorate in Strategic Intelligence from the Joint Military Intelligence College and graduated from the Naval Academy as an Aero Engineer.

Gen. DeLong’s military career, together with his international business executive experience, allows him to bring to the Board leadership and skills in strategic analysis and judgment as well as a knowledge of international business and political environments.

6


Name

Age

Principal Occupation and Other Information

Iain A. Macdonald

67

Iain A. Macdonald was originally elected to the Board of Directors in 1998 and served until 2001, when he resigned for personal reasons. Mr. Macdonald was re-elected to the Board of Directors in May 2004 and since then has been a member of the Audit Committee. During the past 10 years, Mr. Macdonald has served on the boards of a series of technology-based business ventures in the UK, which he has assisted to develop and obtain funding. He was a founding partner, and is currently Chairman of Yakara plc, a developer of SMS and IVR telecommunications software solutions and a member of the Board of Northern AIM VCT plc, which is a venture capital investment fund. From 2008 to 2011 he served on the Board of Scottish Enterprise, Scotland’s economic development agency. Prior to joining the Company’s Board in 1998, Mr. Macdonald served as a director of McQueen International Ltd. from 1996 until its acquisition by the Company.

Having served as a director of an entity in the UK which was acquired by the Company in 1998, Mr. Macdonald offers a unique institutional viewpoint and depth of industry knowledge. He also brings to the Board considerable leadership, international business, financial and governmental experience.

7


CLASS I — TERM EXPIRES AT THE 2014 ANNUAL MEETINGCORPORATE GOVERNANCE

 

Name

Age

Principal Occupation and Other Information

H. Parks Helms

76

H. Parks Helms has served as a director of the Company since its inception in 1977 and is a member and Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Mr. Helms is President and Managing Partner of the law firm of Helms, Henderson & Associates, P.A., in Charlotte, North Carolina and has been with the firm, and its predecessor firm, Helms, Cannon, Henderson & Porter, P.A. for more than the past five years. Mr. Helms has held numerous political appointments and elected positions, including as a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives and as Chairman of the Mecklenburg County, North Carolina Board of County Commissioners.

Mr.Helms has served for more than 30 years on the Company’s Board, supporting institutional continuity with Company and industry knowledge accumulated through all phases of industry and economic cycles, and through the Company’s expansion over that period. He also brings considerable legal, transactional and business skills to the Board.

8


Name

Age

Principal Occupation and Other Information

Linda McClintock-Greco, M.D.

57

Linda McClintock-Greco, M.D. was elected to the Board of Directors in May 1998 and is a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. Dr. McClintock-Greco is currently the Medical Director and President of Age-Less Medicine, practicing quality of life and aesthetic medicine, and is also President of Age-Less Vitamins and Nutrients, Inc. From 1998 through 2005, Dr. McClintock-Greco was President and Chief Executive Officer of Greco & Assoc. Consulting, a healthcare consulting firm, and in that capacity served as the Vice President of Medical Affairs for Entrusted Healthcare Management Services for the State of Florida. Until 1998, she served as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Medical Officer of Tampa General HealthPlan, Inc. (HealthEase) and had spent the past 11 years in the health care industry as both a private practitioner in Texas and a managed care executive serving as the Regional Medical Director with Humana Health Care Plan. Dr. McClintock-Greco serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Association of Managed Care Organizations (FAMCO). Dr. McClintock-Greco also serves on the board of several charitable organizations.

Dr. McClintock-Greco has considerable experience in multiple facets of the health care industry, both in private practice and administration, bringing to the Company valuable perspective regarding the Company’s health care related services, as well as business experience, diversity of viewpoint and judgment.

9


Name

Age

Principal Occupation and Other Information

James K. (Jack) Murray, Jr.

76

James K. Murray, Jr., was elected to the Board of Directors in May 2005 and is a member and Chairman of the Finance Committee and a member of the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee. Mr. Murray currently serves as Chairman of Murray Corporation, a private venture capital enterprise based in Tampa, Florida. Mr. Murray also serves as Chairman of the Advisory Board of HealthEdge Investment Fund II, and is Chairman of the Investment Committee of this private equity fund focused primarily on investments in the health care field. In 1970, Mr. Murray was one of the founders of a company that is today HealthPlan Services, Inc. and PlanVista, Inc., which was acquired by The Dun & Bradstreet Corporation (NYSE:DNB) in 1978. From 1978 through 1993, Mr. Murray served in various capacities for Dun & Bradstreet Corporation, including President of Dun & Bradstreet Credit Services, and from 1990 through 1993, served in various capacities including President, principal executive officer and Chairman for the Reuben H. Donnelley Corp., a publisher of telephone yellow pages. In 1994, Mr. Murray and several other financial partners acquired HealthPlan Services from Dun & Bradstreet. In May 1995, HealthPlan Services became a public company and was listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Mr. Murray retired from HealthPlan Services in 2000. Mr. Murray serves on the boards of the University of Tampa, Canterbury Towers, Tampa Bay Research Institute and The General Theological Society where he also serves as its Treasurer, a member of its Executive Committee and a member of its Investment Committee for their endowment.

Mr. Murray’s diverse experience in both the public company and private venture capital arenas allows him to bring to the Board significant leadership skills as well as business, transactional and financial analytic skills.

10


Name

Age

Principal Occupation and Other Information

James S. MacLeod

64

James S. MacLeod was elected to the Board of Directors in May 2005 and is a member of the Audit Committee, Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee and the Finance Committee. Mr. MacLeod has served in various positions at CoastalStates Bank in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina since February 2004 and is currently its President. Mr. MacLeod also serves on the Board of Directors of CoastalStates Bank and has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of CoastalSouth Bancshares, its holding company since 2011. From June 1982 to February 2004, he held various positions at Mortgage Guaranty Insurance Corp in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the last 7 years serving as its Executive Vice President. Mr. MacLeod has a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of Tampa, a Master of Science in Real Estate and Urban Affairs from Georgia State University and a Masters in City Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Mr. MacLeod is currently a Trustee and serves as the Chairman of the Governance and Valuation Committees of the Allianz Funds.

As a result of his extensive financial services background, Mr. MacLeod brings to the Board valuable financial analytical skills and experience, a deep understanding of cash transaction and management issues, as well as business acumen and judgment.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

The Company maintains a corporate governance page on its website which includes key information about its corporate governance initiatives, including its Corporate Governance Guidelines, Code of Ethics, and charters for the committees of the Board of Directors. The corporate governance page can be found atwww.sykes.com, by clicking on “Company,” then “Investor Relations” and then on the links under the heading “Corporate Governance.”

The Company’s policies and practices reflect corporate governance initiatives that are compliant with the listing requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market and the corporate governance requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, including:

 

the Board of Directors has adopted clear corporate governance policies;

 

a majority of the board members are independent of the Company and its management;

 

all members of the key board committees — the Audit Committee, the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and the Finance Committee — are independent;

and Corporate Governance Committee and the Finance Committee — are independent;

 

the independent members of the Board of Directors meet regularly without the presence of management;

 

11


the Company has adopted a code of ethics that applies to all directors, officers and employees which is monitored by its Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee;

 

the charters of the Board committees clearly establish their respective roles and responsibilities; and

 

the Company’s Audit Committee has established procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment, on a confidential basis, of complaints received by the Company, including the Board and the Audit Committee, regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters, and the confidential, anonymous submissions by employees of concerns regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. These procedures are described under “Communications With Our Board” below.

Certain Relationships and Related Person Transactions

Review and Approval of Related Person TransactionsTransactions.

In order to ensure that material transactions and relationships involving a potential conflict of interest for any executive officer or director of the Company are in the best interests of the Company, under the Code of Ethics adopted by the Board of Directors for all of our employees and directors, all such conflicts of interest are required to be reported to the Board of Directors, and the approval of the Board of Directors must be obtained in advance for the Company to enter into any such transaction or relationship. Pursuant to the Code of Ethics, no officer or employee of the Company may, on behalf of the Company, authorize or approve any transaction or relationship, or enter into any agreement, in which such officer, director or any member of his or her immediate family, may have a personal interest without such Board approval. Further, no officer or employee of the Company may, on behalf of the Company, authorize or approve any transaction or relationship, or enter into any agreement, if they are aware that an executive officer or a director of the Company, or any member of any such person’s family, may have a personal interest in such transaction or relationship, without such Board approval.

The Company’s Audit Committee reviews all conflict of interest transactions involving executive officers and directors of the Company, pursuant to its charter.

In the course of their review of a related party transaction, the Board and the Audit Committee considers:

 

the nature of the related person’s interest in the transaction;

 

the material terms of the transaction, including, without limitation, the amount and type of transaction;

 

the importance of the transaction to the Company;

 

the importance of the transaction to the related person;

 

whether the transaction would impair the judgment of the director or executive officer to act in the best interests of the Company; and

 

any other matters the Board or Audit Committee deems appropriate.

Any member of the Board or the Audit Committee who has a conflict of interest with respect to a transaction under review may not participate in the deliberations or vote respecting approval of the transaction, provided, however, that such director may be counted in determining the presence of a quorum.

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement9


  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

Related Party TransactionsTransactions.

The Company has maintained for several years, an aircraft timesharing agreement with JHS Leasing of Tampa, Inc., an entity owned by Mr. John H. Sykes, (former Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer,

12


and father of Charles E. Sykes, the Company’s current President, CEO and a director) for the use of its corporate aircraft, which agreement has been approved by the Audit Committee and the Board. However, the Company did not use the aircraft at any time during the year ended December 31, 2011, and accordingly, there were no amounts paid to JHS Leasing of Tampa, Inc., in connection with the timesharing agreement. The timesharing agreement was mutually terminated by the parties in March 2012. On January 25, 2008, the Company entered into a real estate lease with Kingstree Office I, LLC, an entity controlled by Mr. John Sykes, the founder, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, relating to the Company’s call center in Kingstree, South Carolina. On May 21, 2008, the Audit Committee of the

Board reviewed this transaction and recommended approval to the full Board, which also approved the transaction. During the year ended December 31, 2011,2014, the Company paid $395,950$415,027 to Kingstree Office I, LLC as rent on the Kingstree facility.

Leadership Structure

Upon the 20052004 retirement of Mr. John Sykes, the Company’s founder, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman, the Board elected to change the leadership structure to separate the Chief Executive Officer position from that of the Chairman of the Board. The Board determined in 2005 that the change in leadership created an opportune time to change the leadership structure, and that the Company would benefit

from having an independent non-employee Chairman who could provide a diversity of view and experience in consultation with the newly elected President and Chief Executive Officer. The Board continues to believe that the Company is best served by having this bifurcated leadership structure.

Risk Oversight

The Board has determined that the role of risk oversight will currently remain with the full Board as opposed to having responsibility delegated to a specific committee. Management has created an enterprise risk management committee which

is primarily responsible for identifying and assessing enterprise risks, developing risk responses and evaluating residual risks. The chairperson of the management committee reports directly to the full Board.

Director Independence

In accordance with NASDAQNasdaq rules, the Board affirmatively determines the independence of each director and nominee for election as a director in accordance with guidelines it has adopted, which include all elements of independence set forth in the NASDAQNasdaq listing standards. Based upon these standards, at its meeting held on March 21, 2012,18, 2015, the Board determined that each of the following non-employee directors is independent and has no relationship with the Company, except as a director and shareholder of the Company:

 

(1)

  Paul L. Whiting  (6)  Iain A. Macdonald  Paul L. Whiting  (5)  James S. MacLeod

(2)

  F. P. Bodenheimer, Jr.  (7)  James S. MacLeod  Lt. General Michael DeLong (Ret.)  (6)  James K. Murray, Jr.

(3)

  Mark C. Bozek  (8)  Linda McClintock-Greco, MD  William J. Meurer  (7)  Lorraine L. Lutton

(4)

  Lt. General Michael DeLong (Ret.)  (9)  William J. Meurer  Iain A. Macdonald  (8)  William D. Muir, Jr.

(5)

  H. Parks Helms  (10)  James K. Murray, Jr.

Nominations for Directors

The Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee (the “Nominating Committee”) is responsible for screening potential director candidates and recommending qualified candidates to the Board for nomination. The Nominating Committee considers all relevant

13


criteria including, age, skill, integrity, experience, education, time availability, stock exchange listing standards, and applicable federal and state laws and

regulations. The Nominating Committee has a specific goal of creating and maintaining a board with the heterogeneity, skills, experience and personality that lend to open, honest and vibrant discussion, consideration and analysis of Company issues, and accordingly the Nominating Committee also considers individual qualities and attributes that will help create the desired heterogeneity.

10    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

The Nominating Committee may use various sources for identifying and evaluating nominees for directors including referrals from our current directors, management and shareholders, as well as input from third party executive search firms retained at the Company’s expense. If the Nominating Committee retains one or more search firms, such firms may be asked to identify possible nominees, interview and screen such nominees and act as a liaison between the Nominating Committee and each nominee during the screening and evaluation process. The Nominating Committee will review the resume and qualifications of each candidate identified through any of the sources referenced above, and determine whether the candidate would add value to the Board. With respect to candidates that are determined by the Nominating Committee to be potential nominees, one or more members of the Nominating Committee will contact such candidates to determine the candidate’s general availability and interest in serving. Once it is determined that a candidate is a good prospect, the candidate will be invited to meet the full Nominating Committee which will conduct a personal interview with the candidate. During the interview, the Nominating Committee will evaluate whether the candidate meets the guidelines and criteria adopted by the Board, as well as exploring any special or unique qualifications, expertise and experience offered by the candidate and how such qualifications, expertise and/or experience may complement that of existing Board members. If the candidate is approved by the Nominating Committee, as a result of the Nominating Committee’s determination that the candidate will be able to add value to the Board and the candidate expresses his or her interest in serving on the Board, the Nominating Committee will then review its conclusions with the Board and recommend that the candidate be selected by the Board to stand for election by the shareholders or fill a vacancy or newly created position on the Board.

Mr. Furman P. Bodenheimer, Jr., whose term is expiring at this meeting, and who has served on the Board for more than 20 years, has notified the Board that he will retire and not stand for re-election this year. The Board of Directors, on the recommendation of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee, has determined to reduce the number of Board members from 11 to 10 following the end of Mr. Bodenheimer’s term. The remaining two Class III directors whose terms expire at the Annual Meeting have both been nominated by the Committee to stand for re-election.

The Committee will consider qualified nominees recommended by shareholders who may submit recommendations to the Nominating Committee in care of our Corporate Secretary, 400 North Ashley Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602. Any shareholder nominating an individual for election as a director at an annual meeting must provide written notice to the Secretary of the Company, along with the information specified below, which notice must be received at the principal business office of the Company no later than the

date designated for receipt of shareholders’ proposals as set forth in the Company’s proxy statement for its annual shareholders’ meeting. If there has been no such prior public disclosure, then to be timely, a shareholder’s nomination must be delivered to or mailed and received at the principal business office of the Company not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days prior to the annual meeting of shareholders; provided, however, that in the event that less than 70 daysdays’ notice of the date of the meeting is given to the shareholders or prior public disclosure of the date of the meeting is made, notice by the shareholder to be timely must be so received not later than the close of business on the tenth day following the day on which such notice of the annual meeting was mailed or such public disclosure was made.

To be considered by the Nominating Committee, shareholder nominations must be accompanied by: (1) the name, age, business and residence address of the nominee; (2) the principal occupation or employment of the nominee for at

14


least the last ten years and a description of the qualifications of the nominee; (3) the number of shares of our stock that are beneficially owned by the nominee; (4) any legal proceedings involving the nominee during the previous ten years and (5) any other information relating to the nominee that is required to be disclosed in solicitations for proxies for election of directors under Regulation 14A of the Exchange Act, together with a written statement from the nominee that he or she is willing to be nominated and desires to serve, if elected. Also, the shareholder making the nomination should include: (1) his or her name and record address, together with the name and address of any other shareholder known to be supporting the nominee; and (2) the number of shares of our stock that are beneficially owned by the shareholder making the nomination and by any other supporting shareholders. Nominees for director who are recommended by our shareholders will be evaluated in the same manner as any other nominee for director.

We may require that the proposed nominee furnish us with other information as we may reasonably request to assist us in determining the eligibility of the proposed nominee to serve as a director. At any meeting of shareholders, the Chairman of the Board may disregard the purported nomination of any person not made in compliance with these procedures.

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement11


  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

Communications with our Board

Shareholders and other parties interested in communicating with our Board of Directors may do so by writing to the Board of Directors, Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated, 400 N.North Ashley Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602. Under the process for such communications established by the Board of Directors, the SeniorExecutive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company reviews all such correspondence and regularly forwards to all members of the Board a summary of the correspondence. Directors may at any time review a log of all correspondence received by the Company that is addressed to the Board or any member of the Board and request copies of any such correspondence. Correspondence that, in the opinion of the SeniorExecutive Vice President and General Counsel,

relates to concerns or complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls and auditing matters is summarized and the summary and a copy of the correspondence is forwarded to the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Additionally, at the direction of the Audit Committee, the Company has established a worldwide toll free hotline administered by an independent third party through which employees may make anonymous submissions regarding questionable accounting or auditing matters. Reports of any anonymous submissions are sent to the Chairman of the Audit Committee as well as the Executive Vice President and General Counsel of the Company.

MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

TheMeetings and Committees of the Board

The Board.Each director is expected to devote sufficient time, energy and attention to ensure diligent performance of his or her duties and to attend all Board, committee and shareholders’ meetings. The Board met ninefive times during 2011,2014, of which four were regularly scheduled meetings and five wereone was an unscheduled meetings.meeting. The Board also acted

once by unanimous written consentaction in 2011.2014. All directors attended at least 75% of the meetings of the Board and of the committees on which they served during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.2014. All of the directors except for Dr. Linda McClintock-Greco attended the 20112014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders on May 19, 2011.20, 2014.

 

1512    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

Committees of the Board

The Board has four standing committees to facilitate and assist the Board in the execution of its responsibilities. The Board may also establish special committees as needed to assist the Board with review and consideration of non-routine matters. The standing committees are the Audit Committee, Finance Committee, the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee and the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. All the committees are comprised solely of non-employee,

independent directors. Charters for each committee are available on the Company’s website atwww.sykes.com by first clicking on “Company,” then “Investor Relations” and then on “Documents and Charters” under the heading “Corporate Governance.” The charter of each committee is also available in print to any shareholder who requests it. The table below shows membership for the entire year 20112014 for each of the standing Board committees.

 

Non-employee Directors

 Audit Committee Finance Committee Nominating and Corporate
Governance Committee
 Compensation and Human Resource
Development Committee

Paul L. Whiting

 X   

Furman P. Bodenheimer, Jr

  X X 

Mark C. Bozek

    Chair

Lt. General Michael P. DeLong (Ret.)

   X 

Dr. Linda McClintock-Greco

   X 

H. Parks Helms

   Chair 

Iain A. Macdonald

 X   

James S. MacLeod

 X X  X

William J. Meurer

 Chair X  

James K. Murray, Jr.

  Chair  X

Employee Director

        

Charles E. Sykes

    

No. of Meetings in 2011

 10 7 4 9
Non-employee Directors 

Audit

Committee

 

Finance

Committee

 

Nominating and

Corporate
Governance
Committee

  Compensation  
Committee

Paul L. Whiting (Chairman of the Board)

 ü    

Lt. General Michael P. DeLong (Ret.)(1)

   Chair  ü

Dr. Linda McClintock-Greco(2)

   ü  

H. Parks Helms(3)

   Chair  

Iain A. Macdonald

 ü ü   

James S. MacLeod

 ü ü   Chair

William J. Meurer(4)

 Chair ü ü  

James K. Murray

  Chair   ü

Lorraine L. Lutton(5)

 ü  ü  

William D. Muir, Jr.(6)

   ü    ü
Employee Director             

Charles E. Sykes

No. of Meetings in 2014

 8 2 3  7

(1)

Gen. DeLong served as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee until May, 2014 at which time he assumed the Chairman’s position.

(2)

Dr. McClintock-Greco served as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee until her retirement in May, 2014.

(3)

Mr. Helms served as Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee until his retirement in May, 2014.

(4)

Mr. Meurer served as Chairman of the Audit Committee for the entire year of 2014. Mr. Meurer also served as a member of the Finance Committee until May, 2014, at which time he began serving as a member of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.

(5)

Ms. Lutton began serving on the Audit and Nominating and Corporate Governance Committees upon joining the Board in May, 2014.

(6)

Mr. Muir began serving on the Compensation and Finance Committees upon joining the Board in May, 2014.

Audit CommitteeCommittee.. The Audit Committee serves as an independent and objective party to monitor the Company’s financial reporting process and internal control system. The Committee’s responsibilities, which are discussed in detail in its charter, include, among other things, the appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of the Company’s independent auditing firm, as well as reviewing the independence, qualifications, and activities of the auditing firm. The Company’s independent auditing firm reports directly to the Committee. All proposed transactions between the Company and the Company’s officers and directors, or an entity in which a Company officer or director has a material interest, are reviewed by the Committee, and the approval of the Committee is required for such transactions. In 2011,2014, the

Audit Committee held ten8 meetings. The Board has determined that Mr. Meurer is an “audit committee financial expert” within the meaning of the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Committee is governed by a written charter, which is reviewed on an annual basis.

Additional information about the Audit Committee is included under the heading “Audit Committee Disclosure” later in this proxy statement.

Finance Committee.The principal purpose of the Finance Committee is to assist the Board of Directors in evaluating significant investments and other financial commitments by the Company. The Committee has the authority to review and make recommendations to the Board with respect to debt and equity limits, equity issuances, repurchases of Company stock or debt, policies relating to the use of derivatives, and proposed mergers, acquisitions, divestitures or investments by the Company that require approval by the full Board. The Committee

16


also has authority to approve capital expenditures not previously approved by the Board of Directors. The level of authority applies to capital expenditures in excess of $2 million but less than $5 million. This authority is used, and the Committee convened only, when management recommends a decision prior to the next Board meeting. In 2011,2014, the Finance Committee held seven2 meetings. The Committee is governed by a written charter, which is reviewed on an annual basis.

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement13


  CORPORATE GOVERNANCE  

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee.The purpose of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee is to: (a) identify individuals qualified to become members of the Board of Directors of the Company and its subsidiaries; (b) recommend to the Board of Directors director nominees for election at the annual meeting of shareholders or for election by the Board of Directors to fill open seats between annual meetings; (c) recommend to the Board of Directors committee appointments for directors; (d) develop and recommend to the Board of Directors corporate governance guidelines applicable to the Company; and (e) monitor the Company’s compliance with good corporate governance standards. In 2011,2014, the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee held four3 meetings. The Committee is governed by a written charter, which is reviewed on an annual basis.

Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee.The Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee’s responsibilities, which are discussed in detail in

its charter, include, among other things, the establishment of the base salary, incentive compensation and any other compensation for the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer, and to review and approve the President and Chief Executive Officer’s recommendations for the compensation of certain executive officers reporting to him. This Committee also monitors the Company’s management incentive cash and equity based bonus compensation arrangements and other executive officer benefits, and evaluates and recommends the compensation policy for the directors to the full Board for consideration. The Committee also determines compensation and benefits of the Company’s non-employee directors. The Company engaged Mercer Human Resource Consulting to conduct a review of its total compensation program for executive officers and to assist the Committee in establishing a competitive compensation program for its executive officers that motivates performance and that is aligned with the interests of its shareholders. This Committee is also responsible for providing oversight and direction regarding the Company’s employee health and welfare benefit programs as well as training and development.programs. In 2011,2014, the Committee held nine7 meetings. The Committee is governed by a written charter, which is reviewed on an annual basis.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None.

14    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  DIRECTOR COMPENSATION  

DIRECTOR COMPENSATION

Directors who are executive officers of the Company receive no compensation for service as members of either the Board of Directors or any committees of the Board.

Fourth Amended and Restated 2004 Non-Employee Director Fee Plan

In

On May 2009,17, 2012, the shareholders of the Company approved the Third Amended and Restated 2004 Non-Employee Director Fee Plan. In May 2011, upon the recommendation of the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee, the Board adopted the FourthFifth Amended and Restated 2004 Non-Employee Director Fee Plan (the “2004 Fee Plan”) adjusting certain, which provided that the annual cash and equity retainer compensation componentsamounts payable to directors under the 2004 Fee Plan would be determined by the Board of Directors on an annual basis. The 2004 Fee Plan expired pursuant to its terms in May, 2014. Prior to the expiration of the 2004 Fee Plan.

17


ThePlan, at the meeting held on March 19, 2014, the Board of Directors determined to continue to pay non-employee directors the same cash compensation, and under the same terms, as was provided for in the 2004 Fee Plan, provideswithout the adoption of a new, formal compensation plan, subject to changes in the amount of the cash compensation on an annual basis as was the case under the 2004 Fee Plan. Similarly, the Board determined to continue to pay the non-employee directors the same equity compensation, but now under the Company’s 2011 Equity Incentive Plan, with each grant having the same terms as the previous grant under the 2004 Fee Plan, subject to changes in the amount of the equity compensation on an annual basis as was the case under the 2004 Fee Plan.

At the Board meeting on March 19, 2014, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board determined that its compensation for the next fiscal year beginning on the date of the 2014 Annual Meeting would

remain unchanged from 2013 levels. So for 2014, all new non-employee directors joining the Board willafter the 2014 Annual Meeting would receive an initial grant of shares of common stock on the date the new director is elected or appointed, the number of which will bewas determined by dividing $60,000 by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the date a new director is elected or appointed, rounded to the nearest whole number of shares. The initial grant of shares vests in twelve equal quarterly installments, one-twelfth on the date of grant and an additional one-twelfth on each successive third monthly anniversary of the date of grant. The award lapses with respect to all unvested shares in the event the non-employee director ceases to be a director of the Company, and any unvested shares are forfeited.

The 2004 Fee Plan also provides thatAlso, each non-employee director willwould receive, on the day after the annual shareholdersshareholder meeting, an annual retainer for service as a non-employee director (the “Annual Retainer”). The Annual Retainer consistsconsisted of shares of the Company’s common stock and cash. Prior to May 20, 2011,For 2014, the total value of the Annual Retainer was $77,500,$125,000, payable $32,500$50,000 in cash and the remainder paid in stock, the amount of which was determined by dividing $45,000$75,000 by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the annual meeting of shareholders,2014 Annual Meeting, rounded to the nearest whole number of shares. On May 20, 2011, the amount of the cash portion of the Annual Retainer was increased from $32,500 to $50,000 resulting in an increase in the total value of the Annual Retainer from $77,500 to $95,000.

In addition to the Annual Retainer award, the 2004 Fee Plan also provides for any2014 the non-employee Chairman of the Board to receive an additional annual cash award of $100,000, and each non-employee director serving on a committee of the Board to receive an additional annual cash award in the following amounts:

 

Position  Amount 

Audit Committee

  

Chairperson

  $20,000  

Member

  $10,000  

Compensation Committee

  

Chairperson

  $15,000  

Member

  $7,500  

Finance Committee

  

Chairperson

  $12,500  

Member

  $7,500  

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

  

Chairperson

  $12,500  

Member

  $7,500  

 

Position

  Amount 

Audit Committee

  

Chairperson

  $20,000  

Member

  $10,000  

Compensation & Human Resource Development Committee

  

Chairperson

  $15,000  

Member

  $7,500  

Finance Committee

  

Chairperson

  $12,500  

Member

  $7,500  

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

  

Chairperson

  $12,500  

Member

  $7,500  

The annual grant of shares vests in eightfour equal quarterly installments, one-eighthone-fourth on the day following the annual meeting of shareholders, and an additional one-eighthone-fourth on each successive third monthly anniversary of the date of grant. The annual grant of cash, including all amounts paid to a non-employee Chairman of the Board and all amounts paid

to non-employee directors serving on committees of the Board, vests in four equal quarterly installments, one-fourth on the day following the annual meeting of shareholders, and an additional one-fourth on each successive third monthly anniversary of the date of grant. The award lapses with respect to all unpaid cash and unvested shares in the event

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement15


  DIRECTOR COMPENSATION  

the non-employee director ceases to be a director of the company,Company, and any unvested shares and unpaid cash are forfeited.

At the Board’s regularly scheduled meeting on December 9, 2014, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board determined that the amount of the cash and equity compensation payable to non-employee directors beginning on the date of the 2015 annual shareholder meeting would be increased as follows: cash compensation would be increased by $5,000 per year to a total of $55,000 and equity compensation would be increased by $25,000 per year to a total of $100,000. No change would be made in the additional amounts payable to

the Chairman of the Board or the Chairs or members of the various Board committees for their service on such committees, and no changes would be made in the payment terms described above for such cash and equity compensation.

18


The Board may pay additional cash compensation to any non-employee director for services on behalf of the Board over and above those typically expected of directors, including but not limited to service on a special committee of the Board. Directors who are executive officers of the Company receive no compensation for service as members of either the Board of Directors or any committees of the Board.

The following table contains information regarding compensation paid to the non-employee directors during fiscal year ending December 31, 2011,2014, including cash and shares of the Company’s common stock.

 

(a)

 (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h)   (b)   (c)   (d)   (e)   (f)   (g)   (h) 

Name

 Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash

($)(1)
 Stock
Awards

($)(2)
 Option
Awards

($)
 Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

($)
 Change in
Pension

Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)
 All Other
Compensation

($)
 Total
($)
   

Fees Earned
or Paid in
Cash

($)(1)

   

Stock
Awards

($)(2)

   

Option
Awards

($)

   

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

($)

   

Change in
Pension

Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)

   

All Other
Compensation

($)

   

Total

($)

 

Furman P. Bodenheimer, Jr.

  60,625    44,992                    105,617  

Mark C. Bozek

  60,000    44,992                    104,992  

Lt. General Michael DeLong (Ret.)

  53,125    44,992                    98,117     68,750     75,002                         143,752  

H. Parks Helms

  58,125    44,992                    103,117     115,625                              115,625  

Iain Macdonald

  55,625    44,992                    100,617  

Lorraine L. Lutton

   50,625     135,011                         185,636  

Iain A. Macdonald

   67,500     75,002                         142,502  

James S. MacLeod

  70,625    44,992                    115,617     82,500     75,002                         157,502  

Linda McClintock-Greco, M.D.

  53,125    44,992                    98,117     14,375                              14,375  

William J. Meurer

  73,125    44,992                    118,117     77,500     75,002                         152,502  

William D. Muir, Jr.

   48,750     135,011                         183,761  

James K. Murray, Jr.

  65,625    44,992                    110,617     70,000     75,002                         145,002  

Paul L. Whiting

  155,625    44,992                    200,617     160,000     75,002                         235,002  

 

(1)

Amounts shown include the cash portion of the annual retainers and amounts paid for services on Board committees paid to each non-employee director in 2011.2014. The fees earned by Mr. Whiting include $100,000 for service as non-employee Chairman of the Board.

(2)

The amounts shown in column (c) represent the Annual Retainer amounts paid in shares of the Company’s common stock. The amounts are valued based on the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718 (formerly FAS 123(R)). See Notes 1 and 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20112014 filed on February 29, 201219, 2015 for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating the grant date fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION16    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

Executive Summary

This Compensation Discussion and Analysis (this “CD&A”) is intended to assist our shareholders in understanding the compensation of our 2014 named executive officers (“NEOs”) and includes the following individuals:

NameTitle

Charles E. Sykes

President and Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”)

John Chapman

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Lawrence R. Zingale

Executive Vice President and General Manager

James T. Holder

Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary

David L. Pearson

Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer

W. Michael Kipphut

Former Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

Christopher M. Carrington

Former Executive Vice President of Global Delivery

Sykes is a complex global business serving sophisticated and demanding clients, with thin operating margins and high historical and potential cash flows.clients. Our business and financial strategies require careful expense management while providing superior customer service and value. This requires experienced executive leadership with sound business judgment, a passion for service excellence, and a desirethe ability to succeed. understand and implement the Company’s strategic growth plan, including leveraging our proprietary technology and effectively managing our global customer response team.

The primary and overriding objective of the Compensation Committee of the Board (the “Committee”) in determining our executive compensation is to align the elements of thatour executive compensation program with the interests of our shareholders;shareholders, with the ultimate goal being to increase and optimize shareholder value. Our executive compensation

19


strategy is also aligned with program aligns our business strategy and talent requirements with our goal of maximizing shareholder value by beingoffering sufficiently competitive on fixed compensation elements (such as base salary) to attract and retain talented executives while simultaneously emphasizing variable, “at risk,” compensation elements (such as short-term and long-term incentives)performance- and time-based incentive awards) to drive targeted performance and reward results in order to reward results.enhance long-term shareholder value.

The following are a few key financial and operating results, as well as the resulting incentive compensation results for 20112014 and for the 2009-20112012 – 2014 performance period:

2014 Financial and Compensation Results

 

Revenues for 20112014 increased 4.2%5.1% year over year to $1.169 billion

$1.328 billion. On a constant currency basis,* revenues for 2011 decreased 1.2%

2014 increased 7.2% year over year. Revenue is not generally a determinate for short-term incentive compensation for our NEOs, but is for long-term incentive compensation.

Financial Statement Adjusted Operating Income* for 2014 increased 28.0% year over year less thanto $93.3 million. Short-term incentive compensation for the 6.2% erosionyear 2014 was based solely on Adjusted Operating Income derived targets for all of our NEOs except Mr. Zingale, which were earned at 115.3% of the target award opportunity resulting in a payout of 138.3% of the 2011target award opportunity.

2012 – 2014 Incentive Compensation Results

The 2012 – 2014 Long Term Incentive Plan had two performance goals; cumulative revenue base due to end-of-life client programsand Plan Cumulative Adjusted Operating Income as defined on page 18.

 

RevenuesCumulative revenue for the 2009-20112012 – 2014 performance period were $3.174was $3.7 billion, which exceeded the incentivethreshold performance requirement for a payout under the terms of the award for the 2012 – 2014 performance period and resulted in an equity payout at 99.0% of the target by 9.1%.for this portion of the Long Term Incentive Plan.

 

Adjusted Operating Income for 2011 decreased 3.2% year over year to $83.17 million, with the decline largely a result of $11.2 million in unfavorable foreign exchange rates

Plan Cumulative Adjusted Operating Income for the 2009-20112012 – 2014 performance period was within 2 percentage points$232.6 million, which fell below the threshold performance requirement for a payout under the terms of the incentive targetaward for the 2012 – 2014 performance period.

 

Cash flow from operating activities for 2011 was a record $102.6 million and more than doubleBased on the prior year’s $45.1 million

These results are directly reflected inactual Plan Adjusted Operating Income measures, the Company’s 2011 executive compensation levels as follows:

Short-term incentives were earned at 82.5%performance shares tied to that component of the target award opportunity2012 – 2014 performance period were not earned by the NEOs and have therefore been cancelled.

 

Performance shares tied toAs a result of the 2009-2011increase in the common stock price over the performance period, related to revenue were earned at 150% of target

Performance shares tied to the 2009-2011 performance period related to operating income were earned at 98% of target

In the lightmany of the strong alignment between pay and performance, and after reviewing and consideringtime-vested stock appreciation rights (“SARs”) granted in recent years were in the strong level of shareholder support for themoney at year end.

The Company’s executive compensation program as expressed by an 88% affirmative vote onhas resulted in a strong linkage between pay and performance. While the 2011 Say on Pay proposal,Company’s financial performance in 2014 met the Company has made only a few changesBoard’s short-term performance targets, and its long-term (3 year) revenue goals were also exceeded, its long-term performance related to Plan Adjusted Operating Income fell below the programBoard’s demanding long-term operating income performance targets for the 2012 including:– 2014 performance period.

 

*See the Company’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on February 17, 2015, for a reconciliation of these Non-GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) financial measures to their most directly comparable GAAP financial measures.

Base salaries for executives, including the named executive officers (“NEOs”), but excluding the CEO, were increased by 2%

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement17


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

 

The base salary of the CEO was not increased

With respect to performance shares for the 2012-2014 performance period, the performance range was widened to a Threshold goal at 95% of target and a Maximum goal at 110% of target, with a corresponding reduction to the payout opportunity at Threshold from 80% to 50% of target. The compounded annual growth rate for the revenue target was lowered from 5% to 3% and the compounded annual growth rate for the income target was lowered from 6% to 4%

The Company uses Plan Adjusted Operating Income as a performance measure in order to eliminate certain one timeone-time or non-performance related items. For the 2009-2011 performance period,The Company defines “Plan Adjusted Operating Income excluded: (a) Income” as operating income less:

depreciation and amortization related to asset write upswrite-ups in connection with the ICT acquisition,acquisitions;

 

20


(b) costs to obtain synergies (c) in connection with acquisitions;

transaction costs associated with entity acquisitions and (d) dispositions;

restructuring and impairment charges related to the acquisition.acquisitions and dispositions referenced above; and

any effect (positive or negative) from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Our Executive Leadership Team2014 Compensation Decisions

The Company is fortunateCommittee approved changes to have in place a very stable and seasoned senior executive leadership team, each team member having years of experience in their respective fields of expertise. The names of the Company’s NEOs, their titlesexecutive compensation long-term incentive program (“LTIP”) in 2014, as described below, and total yearsbelieves that the current executive compensation program creates a strong alignment between pay and performance. After deliberation with the Company in various capacities are:CEO and with the Committee’s independent compensation advisor, the Committee recommended to the Board that for 2014 it retain its incentive compensation structure to include short-term (one-year) performance-based cash incentives, and long-term (three-year) performance-based equity incentives, with payment dependent on achievement of pre-determined revenue and income targets. The Committee also recommended, and the Board approved, the following compensation policies for 2014:

 

Because the NEOs did not receive salary increases in 2013, the Committee approved moderate increases

Name

TitleTenure

Charles E. Sykes

President and Chief Executive Officer25 yrs

W. Michael Kipphut

Exec. VP and Chief Financial officer12 yrs

James C. Hobby

Exec. VP of Global Operations8 yrs

Lance R. Zingale

Exec. VP of Global Sales and Client Management6 yrs

James T. Holder

Exec. VP, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary11yrs

The remaining members of the senior executive team are:

Name

TitleTenure

David L. Pearson

Exec. VP and Chief Information Officer  15 yrs

Jenna R. Nelson

Exec. VP(6% or below of Global Human Resources18 yrs

Daniel L. Hernandez

Exec. VPthe base salary of Global Strategy8 yrseach of the NEOs during 2014), with the goal of keeping base salaries of the NEOs near the 50th percentile of base pay of the Company’s Compensation Peer Group (as discussed below).

There were no increases to short-term incentive opportunities.

There were no increases to long-term incentive opportunities, with the goal of retaining a long-term incentive plan that is highly performance-based. Accordingly, the LTIP for 2014 – 2016 consisted of the following elements:

g      20% of the grant consisted of restricted stock with time-based vesting, which will increase or decrease in value based on changes in the Company’s stock price over time;

g      30% of the grant consisted of SARs with time-based vesting, which are only valuable to our executives if our stock price rises above the value of our stock on the date of grant; and

g      50% of the grant consisted of performance shares, with their value tied to challenging three-year financial performance targets, 1/3 of which are based on the Company’s revenue and 2/3 of which are based on the Company’s Plan Adjusted Operating Income.

As the Company’s size and complexity has made achievement of the Board’s current maximum performance range thresholds for short-term and long-term incentive opportunities increasingly more difficult to achieve, the Committee adjusted the maximum performance range thresholds from 150% of target to 120% of target for its short-term incentive opportunities and to 110% for its long-term incentive opportunities in 2014.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The Committee believes that the most effective executive compensation program is one that is designed to enhance shareholder value by attracting and retaining the talent and experience best suited to manage, guide and build our business. This requires fair and competitive base salaries and benefits designed to attract qualified executives, as well as carefully designed incentive compensation programs to link the interests of the executives to the long-term interests of our shareholders.

In evaluating and determining the complete compensation packages for the Company’s executive officers generally, and the NEOs specifically, the Committee reviews relevant market data provided by its outside independent compensation consultant, which includes an evaluation of the executive compensation packages paid to similarly situated executives of similarly situated companies. Although the market pay data is only one of many factors considered when making pay

executive compensation determinations, the Committee generally seeks to position pay opportunities within a range of 80% to 120% of the 50th percentile pay level.level of similarly situated executives. However, variations from this objective may occur as dictated by the experience level of the individual and other factors.executive.

A significant percentage of the target total compensation to our senior executives is allocated toNEOs and other executive officers consists of performance-based incentives as a resultwhich align the interests of the philosophy mentioned above.our executives with those of our shareholders. Although there is no pre-established policy for the allocation between either cash and non-cash or short-term and long-term performance-based incentive compensation, in 20112014 the Committee continued the basic structure utilized in recent years, which determined performance-based incentives as a percentage of base salary, which percentage was validated against current market pay data. A significant percentage of the target total

18    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

direct compensation to our executive officers is in the form of non-cash, long-term equity incentive awards. A chart showing the relative percentages of cash,between base salary and target

21


short termshort-term and target long termlong-term incentive compensation of the NEOs for 20112014 is included below in the section of this CD&A entitled “Elements of Compensation.”

Roles and Responsibilities in Determining Executive Compensation

The Role of the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee. The Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee (referred to in this Analysis as the “Committee”) of the Board has been charged with the responsibility for establishing, implementing and continually monitoring adherence with the Company’s compensation philosophy. The Committee’s goal is to ensure that the form and amount of compensation and benefits paid to its senior leadershipour executive team, specifically including the named executive officers,NEOs, is fair, reasonable and sufficiently competitive to attract and retain high quality executives who can lead the Company to achieve the goals that the Board believes will maximize shareholder value. For executives other than the CEO, executive compensation matters are first considered by the Committee, which then makes recommendations to the Board. The Board which then considers and approves the Committee’s recommendations or disapproves the Committee’s recommendations and instructs the Committee to revise its compensation recommendations. As it relates to the compensation of the Company’s CEO, the Committee meets first with the CEO to obtain information regarding performance, objectives and expectations, discusses the matter with the Board and then makes a final compensation determination. The CEO is not present during voting or any deliberations regarding his compensation.

The Role of the Chief Executive Officer. The Committee meets periodically with the CEO to discuss and review executive compensation. The CEO provides the Committee with the appropriate business context for executive compensation decisions as well as specific recommendations for each of the executives, including the named executive officers, but excluding the CEO.NEOs. Additionally, the Chairman of the Committee meets periodically with the CEO to discuss the Committee’s views on the CEO’s compensation and proposals for adjustments to be considered by the Committee.

The Role of Senior Management. The Committee periodically meets with representatives of our Human Resources, Finance, and Legal.Legal departments. These individuals provide the Committee with requested data, information, and advice regarding theour executive compensation program, specifically with regard to incentive plan designs, performance measures and goals, and disclosure. These representatives are not involved in conversations regarding their own compensation.

TheRole of Outside Independent Consultants. In accordance with the Committee’s charter, the Committee has the authority to retain any outside counsel, consultants or other advisors to the extent deemed necessary and appropriate, including the sole authority to approve the terms of engagement and fees related to services provided. In prior years, the Committee directly engaged Mercer Human Resource Consulting, a division of Marsh & McLennan Companies (“Mercer”) to provide services in connection with the review and analysis of executive compensation. Mercer was also engaged by management of the Company to provide executive and global compensation reviews and to provide advice regarding Company retirement and savings plans, benefits, expatriate compensation and mergers and acquisitions. In the fall ofSince 2010, the Committee carefully considered the decision to engage Mercer in light of the potential conflicts of interest that could result from the concurrent engagement of Mercer by management. Given the magnitude of other services provided by Mercer to the Company, the Committee determined that it should engage an independent consultant that would provide no other services to the Company. After conducting a search process, in which all members of the Committee and the Chairman of Board participated,has utilized Pearl Meyer & Partners (PM&P) was selected(“PM&P”) as its independent executive compensation consultant.

During 2014, at the new independent consult.Committee’s request, PM&P is directly engaged by and directed byprovided the Committee, and provides no other services to the Company. PM&P began working for the Committee in the fall of 2010 with respect to 2010 incentive compensation awards

following services:

 

22


and 2011 executive compensation decisions.Attended all Committee meetings. When appropriate, the Committee has discussions with its consultant without management present to ensure candor and impartiality.impartiality;

Provided research, market data, survey information and design expertise to assist the Company in developing executive and director compensation programs;

Advised the Committee on all principal aspects of executive and director compensation, including the competitiveness of program design and award values; and

Provided specific analyses with respect to the compensation of the Company’s executive officers.

PM&P is directly engaged by, and its activities are dictated by, the Committee. PM&P and its affiliates provide services only to the Committee and are prohibited from providing services or products of any kind to the Company. By letter dated February 13, 2015, PM&P has certified to the Committee that neither it, nor any of the individuals providing services to the Committee on its behalf, have any business or personal relationship with any of the directors or executive officers of the Company, and has further certified that the compensation it receives for its services to the Committee comprised less than 0.5% of its total revenue for 2014.

In 2014, the Committee assessed the independence of PM&P and considered whether its work raised any conflicts of interest, taking into consideration the independence factors set forth in the NASDAQ listing rules. Based on that assessment, the Committee determined that PM&P was independent and that its work did not raise any conflicts of interest.

The Role of Peer Group Data. In making its compensation decisions for 2011,2014, the Committee compared the Company’s pay and performance levels against a peer group of ten (10)eleven publicly traded companies which the Committee believes compete with the Company in the customer contact management segment andindustry for executive talent (the “Compensation Peer Group”). ThePM&P and the Committee annually review the composition of the Compensation Peer Group is reviewed annually to determine whether there are new companies which should be added, or existing companies which should be deleted. TheFor its analysis in 2014, the Committee made several changes toeliminated one company from the composition of the2013 Compensation Peer Group from 2010 to 2011 due to acquisitionsthe fact that its market capitalization and cessation of various previously included companiesenterprise value had decreased in relative size to be publicly traded. Additionally, the Committee included two companiesan extent that are in the employee staffing business, have similar business modelscomparisons to the Company and which the Committee believes compete with the Company for executive talent.were no longer deemed valid.

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement19


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

The companies included in the Compensation Peer Group and used as the basis for comparison and analysis by the Committee with respect to 20112014 compensation decisions were:

 

Genpact Ltd.Limited

Kforce Inc.

Convergys Corporation

Stream Global ServicesFTI Consulting, Inc.

West Corp

StarTek, Inc.Corporation

Alliance Data SystemsCiber, Inc.

TeleTech Holdings, Inc.

APAC Customer Services,Acxiom Corporation

CDI Corp.

Syntel, Inc.

Spherion Corp.ExlService Holdings, Inc.

As in prior years, the peer groupCompensation Peer Group analysis and data are one of many factors considered by the Committee and the Board in making its final pay determinations. Other important factors include the current and expected performance of the Company, the current and expected performance of the executive and internal pay equity.ensuring that our executive compensation program is internally consistent and equitable.

Executive Compensation Analysis

As in prior years, the Committee requested, reviewed, and discussed an independent analysis of the Company’s executive compensation program for the Company’s NEOs provided by its consultant.PM&P. The analysis included a review of paycompensation competitiveness, pay and performance alignment, the long-term incentive planour LTIP design, and an overall risk assessment of the executive compensation program. The following were the significant findings from this analysis:

 

 

Base salaries were generally positioned at or near the 50th percentile of our Compensation Peer Group;

 

 

Target total cash compensation (salary plus target short-term incentive opportunity) was generally positioned at the 50th percentile of our Compensation Peer Group;

 

 

Long-term incentive grant values were positioned near the 75th percentile of our Compensation Peer Group, but the aggregate equity grant rate (as a percent of shares outstanding) was below the 25th percentile of our Compensation Peer Group;

 

 

Total direct compensation (target total cash compensation plus long-term incentive grant value) was positioned slightly above the 50th percentile of our Compensation Peer Group;

 

 

Company performance (across a variety of financial and operating metrics) on a 1-year and 3-year basis was generally positioned at the 75th percentilepercentile; and

 

The overall program strikes a balance between risks and rewards, and is not believed to encourage executives to take undue risks that could materially harm the CompanyCompany.

 

23


The above analysis results reflect thereflects our executive team in the aggregate. As expected, there is variation by executive (with regard to pay competitiveness) and by performance measure (with regard to relative performance). This studyanalysis was completed in August 20102013 and was one of many inputs into the Committee’s decisions with regard to 2011our 2014 executive compensation program.

Results of the 2014 Shareholder Advisory Vote to Approve Compensation of Our NEOs. At our 2014 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, our shareholders had the opportunity to cast an advisory vote to approve the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in our 2014 proxy statement. Approximately 85.2% of the votes cast on this proposal voted to approve, on an advisory basis, the 2013 compensation of our named executive officers. The Committee believes that the results of this vote indicate that our shareholders generally support our executive compensation program. The Committee considered that support when making executive compensation decisions for fiscal 2014. As a result, the Committee recommended that the executive compensation structure for 2014 remain substantially the same, utilizing a combination of base salary, short-term incentive and long-term incentive compensation, with total compensation being weighted heavily toward equity-based compensation. The long-term equity incentive compensation program designs for performance cycles beginning in 2012, 2013 and 2014 are shown below in the tables under the heading “Performance-Based, Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation” in this CD&A. The Committee will continue to monitor and consider the outcome of shareholder advisory votes when making future decisions regarding our executive compensation program.

20    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

Elements of Compensation

The compensation program for our executives includes several direct compensation components. Those components are base salary, annual cash incentive awards and equity-based incentive awards, which are granted in the form of time-based restricted stock (or restricted stock units), performance–based restricted stock (or restricted stock units), and time-vested stock appreciation rights.time-based SARs. Our executives are also permitted to

participate in our 401(k) plan which is available to all employees, as well as our non-qualified executive deferred compensation plan. The purpose of the deferred compensation plan is to provide our executives with the ability to take advantage of tax deferred savings which may not be fully available to them under our 401(k) plan.

The relative percentages between base salary, annual cash incentive targets and long term equity basedlong-term, equity-based incentive targets as compared to total target compensation for the NEOs for 20112014 were as follows:

 

Name

  Total Direct
Compensation
 Base
Salary
 Annual
Cash
Incentive
 Long
Term
Equity
Incentive
   Total Direct
Compensation
   Base
Salary
   Annual
Cash
Incentive
   Long-Term
Equity
Incentive
 

Charles E. Sykes

   100  25  25  50   100%     17%     17%     66%  

W. Michael Kipphut

   100  32  23  45

James C. Hobby

   100  32  23  45

Lance R. Zingale

   100  32  23  45

John Chapman

   100%     40%     20%     40%  

Lawrence R. Zingale

   100%     27%     19%     54%  

James T. Holder

   100  45  23  32   100%     40%     20%     40%  

David L. Pearson

   100%     40%     20%     40%  

W. Michael Kipphut(1)

   100%     27%     19%     54%  

Christopher M. Carrington(1)

   100%     27%     19%     54%  

(1)

Mr. Kipphut retired and Mr. Carrington resigned during 2014.

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement21


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

The key elements of our 2014 executive compensation program were as follows:

Type of
Compensation

Element of

Compensation

Description

Rationale

Target

Positioning
within
Compensation

Peer Group

Base Salary

    Fixed amount of annual cash compensation

    Attracts and retains talented, experienced executives

Near market mean (50th percentile)

Short-Term

Incentive Awards

Annual Performance-Based Cash Incentive Award

     Variable cash amount based on achievement of Company (and sometimes individual) performance goals

     Award value generally based on a percentage of the executive’s base salary and achievement of Plan Adjusted Operating Income performance targets

     Threshold performance paid out at 50% of target, maximum performance (120% of target performance measures) paid out at 150% of target

    Motivates executives to achieve and exceed annual goals

     Attracts talent by offering a compensation opportunity that awards performance

    Maximizes short-term profitability and drives shareholder value

Long-Term

Incentive Awards

Stock Appreciation Rights

     Entitles recipient to receive, at the time of exercise, shares with a market value equal to the difference between the exercise price of the SARs (the closing price of the underlying shares on the grant date) and the market price of the underlying shares on the date of exercise

     Vest ratably over a three-year period

    Value tied to the appreciation of the value of our Common Stock

    Balances short-term and long-term decision making

Up to 75th percentile of the market, but balanced with low equity grant rate

Time-Based Restricted Stock (or Stock Unit) Awards

     New share-based element of incentive compensation for fiscal 2014

    Vest ratably over a three-year period

    Time-based vesting blends a short-term award with long-term incentive

    Rewards longevity

Performance-Based Restricted Stock (or Stock Unit) Awards

     Variable amount of shares paid out to the executive at the end of a three-year performance period

     Award value based on a percentage of the executive’s base salary in the year of grant and achievement of revenue and Plan Adjusted Operating Income performance targets

     1/3 of the amount of shares paid out are tied to gross revenue, 2/3 of the shares paid out are tied to Plan Adjusted Operating Income

    Threshold performance (95% of target performance measures) paid out at 50% of the target payout, maximum performance (110% of target performance measures) paid out at 200% of target payout

    Rewards achievement of long-term performance goals

     Balances short-term and long-term decision making

    Maximizes long-term profitability and drives shareholder value

Base Salary

Base salary is designed to provide each executiveof our NEOs with a fixed amount of annual compensation that is competitive with the marketplace. Base salaries for the named executive officersNEOs are determined for each executive based on his or her position and responsibility, and are further informed by using market data provided to the Committee by its consultant.PM&P. Base salary ranges of our executives are designed so that salary opportunities for a given position will be approximately between 80% and 120%

of the market data midpoint.50th percentile pay level of our Compensation Peer Group. During its review of base salaries for executives, the Committee primarily considers (a) considers:

the market data provided by its consultant, (b) PM&P;

internal review of the executive’s compensation, both individually and relative to other officers,officers; and (c) 

individual performance of the executive.

22    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

Salary levels are typically considered annually as part of the Company’s performance review process as well as upon a promotion or other change in job responsibility. Merit basedMerit-based increases to the base salaries of our executive leadership team, other than the President and CEO, are based on the Committee’s assessment of the individual’s performance, with input from the President and CEO. In considering adjustmentsMerit increases for 2011,the President and CEO are determined by the Committee based upon the Committee’s recommendation toassessment of performance, with input from the Board, was also impacted by the larger revenue size and complexityafter consultation with PM&P. The NEOs did not receive any base salary increases in 2013 and as a result of the Company followingannual assessment described above, the acquisition of ICT Group, Inc.Committee determined that the CEO’s base salary would be increased in the prior year. Based on its

24


review,2014, and the Committee recommended to the full Board, which approved base salary increases for the remaining NEOs, all as set forth in the table below:

Named Executive Officer  

Base

Salary
Before
Increase

   Base
Salary
After
Increase
   Percentage
Increase
 

Charles E. Sykes

  $625,000    $645,000     3%  

John Chapman

  $207,600    $330,000     59%  

Lance R. Zingale

  $400,000    $412,000     3%  

James T. Holder

  $306,347    $324,728     6%  

David L. Pearson

  $291,160    $305,700     5%  

W. Michael Kipphut

  $424,299    $424,299     N/A  

Christopher M. Carrington

  $425,006    $425,006     N/A  

Mr. Chapman’s base salary increase was due to the significant increase in job responsibilities resulting from his promotion to Chief Financial Officer upon the retirement of Mr. Kipphut. Mr. Kipphut and Mr. Carrington did not receive increases due to the fact that Mr. Kipphut retired and Mr. Carrington resigned in 2014. The Committee and the Board approveddetermined that the following market-based and merit-basedremaining increases towere in line with the parameters of the plan design for base salaries for 2011:

Named Executive Officer

  2010 Annual Base
Cash Compensation
   2011 Annual Base
Cash Compensation
   % Increase 

Charles E. Sykes

  $550,000    $625,000     13.6

W. Michael Kipphut

  $400,000    $415,978     4.0

James C. Hobby

  $366,000    $369,973     1.1

Lance R. Zingale

  $322,000    $360,132     11.8

James T. Holder

  $270,000    $300,340     11.2

In 2012, based upon a similar review as conducted for 2011, the Committee made no salary adjustment for the CEO, and upon the recommendation of the Committee, the Board approved salary increases of 2% for each of the other NEOs.discussed above.

Performance-Based Annual Cash Incentive Compensation

The annual cash incentive component of the total direct compensation paid to our executive leadership team is designed to rewardto:

Reward achievement of pre-determined annual corporate and(and sometimes individual,individual) performance goals, rewardgoals;

Reward current performance by basing payment on the achievement of quantifiable performance measures that reflect contributions to the success of our business,business; and encourage

Encourage actions by the executives that contribute directly to our operating and financial results.

In fiscal year 2011,2014, the annual cash incentive opportunity for the President and CEO and all other executive officers was determined based solely upon the achievement of pre-determined corporate financial goals.

At the beginning of the year, the Committee sets minimum, target and maximum levels for the portion of the cash

incentive component of total direct compensation that is determined by reference to corporate financial performance. Threshold performance represents the minimum performance that still warrants incentive recognition for that particular goal and is paid at 50% of the target award level. Maximummaximum performance represents the highest level likely to be attained and is paid at 150% of the target award level.attained. No annual performance-based cash incentive compensation determined by reference to corporate financial performance is paid to any executive of the Company if our financial results do not exceed the threshold determined for that year.

At the beginning of each year, the Committee also sets the award percentage tied to salary for the President and CEO and recommends an award percentage for each of the other members of the executive leadership team that they will receive if the performance goals are met. The Committee’s goal in setting target award levels is to create a compensation program such that the potential incentive awards, when combined with each officer’s base salary, will provide a fully competitive total cash compensation opportunity, with the portion of compensation “at risk” (i.e., the target award level) being reflective of the level of that officer’s accountability for contributing to the Company’s bottom line financial results, and the degree of influence that officer has over results. In setting these percentages, the Committee considers these factors as well as data from the market assessment provided by its consultant. In 2011, the target award opportunities were set at 100% of base salary for the President and CEO, 70% of base salary for the CFO, and between 30% and 70% of base salary for each of the other named executive officers and members of the executive leadership team.PM&P.

For 2011,2014, the Committee met with management and reviewed the Company’s operating plan for 20112014 to establish the target financial goals of the Company on which the annual performance-based cash incentive com-

25


pensationcompensation awards would be based. TheExcept for Mr. Zingale, the performance measure selected for the 20112014 short-term incentive plan was Plan Adjusted Operating Income.

Based on discussions with management and PM&P, the Committee determined that the unique responsibilities of Mr. Zingale over EMEA operations, together with the desire to incent him to increase EMEA revenues in the near term, warranted a component of his short term incentive compensation to be based upon pre-determined EMEA revenue goals. Accordingly, the Committee recommended, and the Board approved short term cash incentive goals for Mr. Zingale of which 50% were based upon Plan Adjusted Operating Income is defined astargets, and 50% of which were based upon EMEA revenue targets. The 50% of Mr. Zingale’s short term incentive compensation based upon Plan Adjusted Operating Income less (a) depreciationtargets was earned at 115.3% of the goal resulting in a payout of 138.3% of target (as was all the other NEOs), and amortization related to write-upsthe 50% of Mr. Zingale’s short term incentive compensation based upon EMEA revenue goals was earned at 100.9% of the goal resulting in connection with acquisitions, (b) costs to obtain synergies in connection with acquisitions, (c) transaction costs associated with entity acquisitions and dispositions, (d) restricting and impairment charges related to acquisitions and dispositions, and (e) any effects (positive or negative) from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations. a payout of 102.3% of target.

The Committee believes that Plan Adjusted Operating Income, as defined, is generally an effective and appropriate measure of the Company’s operating performance on an annual basis.basis to use in its evaluation of executive compensation. The performance target for 20112014 was Plan Adjusted Operating Income of $92.5$81.1 million. The Company’s actual Plan Adjusted Operating Income for 20112014 was $86.2$93.5 million. This performance result yielded a short-term incentive payout equal to 82.5%138.25% of the targeted payout for each participant.

 

Named Executive Officer

  Target Short-Term
Incentive Payment(1)
   Actual Short-Term
Incentive Payment
 

Charles E. Sykes

  $609,058    $502,473  

W. Michael Kipphut

  $289,247    $238,629  

James C. Hobby

  $254,053    $209,594  

Lance R. Zingale

  $246,891    $203,685  

James T. Holder

  $147,050    $121,317  

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement23


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

The Company’s 2014 annual incentive plan compensation is summarized in the table below:

Named Executive Officer  Base
Salary
   Threshold
Award
Percentage(1)
   Target
Award
Percentage(1)
   Maximum
Award
Percentage(1)
   Target
Annual
Incentive
Award
   2014
Annual
Cash
Incentive
Award
   2014 Award
Percentage(1)
 

Charles E. Sykes

   $635,773     55%     110%     165%     $699,350     $966,851     152%  

John Chapman

   $290,318     25%     50%     75%     $145,159     $189,706     65%  

Lawrence R. Zingale

   $406,467     35%     70%     105%     $284,527     $342,144     84%  

James T. Holder

   $316,243     25%     50%     75%     $158,122     $218,603     69%  

David L. Pearson

   $298,987     25%     50%     75%     $149,494     $206,675     69%  

W. Michael Kipphut(2)

   $424,299     35%     70%     105%     $297,009            

Christopher M. Carrington(2)

   $425,006     35%     70%     105%     $297,504            

 

(1)

The amounts in this column are based uponAs a percentage of the respective NEO’s base salary.

(2)

Mr. Kipphut and Mr. Carrington did not receive any cash compensation,incentive awards as Mr. Kipphut retired and therefore, reflect salary adjustments which are made duringMr. Carrington resigned, both in 2014, prior to the calendar year.awards being earned.

Discretionary Bonuses

The Compensation Committee believes that discretionary bonuses should be and have been, a rare occurrence. There wereoccurrence because such bonuses do not support our philosophy of aligning the long-term interests of our executive officers with those of our shareholders. Consistent with its past practices, the Committee did not award any discretionary bonuses paid for 2010 performance due to unique facts and circumstances involved in assessing 2010 performance, as well as the acquisition of ICT Group, Inc. during that year, all as described in this sectionany of the proxyNEOs for last year’s annual shareholder meeting. There were no discretionary bonuses paid for 20112014 performance.

Performance-Based, Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation

The performance-based, long-term equity incentive compensation component of total direct compensation for our executivesexecutive officers is designed to encourage them to focus on long-term Company performance and provides an opportunity for executive officers and certain designated key employees to increase their ownership stake in the Company. The Committee utilizes a combination of performance-vestedtime-based restricted stock (or restricted stock units for executives and key employees in foreign countries who would incur unfavorable tax consequences due to local tax laws if they were to receive restricted stock), performance-based restricted stock (or restricted stock units) and time-vested stock appreciation rights (“SARs”).time-based SARs. The Committee believes both of these components of performance-based, long-term equity incentive compensation directly align the interests of the Company’s executivesexecutive officers with the interests of its shareholders by requiring achievement of both long-term operating results that are the drivers of long-term value creation and actual increases in the Company’s stock price. For 2011,2014, the grant mix for the Named Executive OfficersNEOs was 2/3 performance-vestedas follows:

LOGO

The performance-based restricted stock and 1/3 time-vested stock appreciation rights. The performance-vested restricted stockaward is earned based on cumulative performance over a 3-year performance period

period. The time-based restricted stock award and the time-vested stock appreciation rightsSARs vest ratably over a 3-year period.period (i.e., 1/3 of the award vests at the end of the first year of the period, 1/3 vests at the end of the second year of the period and 1/3 vests at the end of the third year of the period).

26


The Committee’s goal in setting target long-term equity incentive award levels is to create a complete compensation program, such that the potential annual cash and long-term equity incentive awards, when combined with each officer’s base salary, will provide a fully competitive total compensation opportunity, with there being a significant portion of potential compensation “at risk.”risk” compensation. In setting award percentages (which are tied to salary), the Committee considers the level of each executive officer’s accountability for contributing to bottom line financial results, and the degree of influence that executive officer has over results, as well as data from the market assessment provided by its consultant.PM&P.

With respect to the performance-vestedperformance-based restricted stock, the Committee meets with management each year to review the proposed operating plan for the upcoming year, and in conjunction with the BoardBoard’s approval of anits operating plan, together with growth goals for the succeeding two years, sets the financial targets for the next three-year performance cycle. The Committee first utilized this method for determininglong-term incentive compensation on a three-year performance cycle for the performance cycle beginning January 1, 2005 and has continued utilizing this method through 2011.for the three-year performance period beginning in 2014. The performance-based restricted stock awards vestare paid out at 80%50% of target payout for achievingattaining 95% of the target performance measure (the threshold goalperformance goal) and at 150%200% of the target payout for attaining 110% of target for achieving theperformance measure (the maximum goal,performance goal), with straight-line interpolation between threshold and target and between target and maximum. Below is a discussion of the specific design elements of each performance-vestedperformance-based restricted stock grant that was either awarded in or has a payout potential in the years covered by this disclosure.

2007 through 2009 Performance Cycle.    For the 3-year cycle ending in 2009 (2007-2009), the Committee made awards of performance-vested restricted stock (or restricted stock units, as the case may be) and time-vested SARs. The target award percentages for performance-based restricted stock were set at 133% of base salary for the President and CEO, 80% of base salary for the CFO, and between 20% and 67% of base salary for each of the other named executive officers, members of the executive leadership team and other key employees. The target award percentages for SARs were set at 67% of base salary for the President and CEO, 40% of base salary for the CFO, and between 20% and 33% of base salary for each of the other named executive officers and members of the executive leadership team. The target goal for 2/3 of the performance-based restricted share awards was established by the Committee to be that income from operations of the Company, as reported in its audited Consolidated Statement of Operations, during fiscal years 2007, 2008 and 2009 (measured from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009) equals at least $106,134,000. The target goal for 1/3 of the performance-based restricted share awards is that gross revenue from operations of the Company, as reported in its audited Consolidated Statements of Operations during fiscal years 2007, 2008 and 2009 (measured from January 1, 2007 through December 31, 2009) equals at least $1,932,000,000. Based on actual results, 150% of the performance-based restricted stock awards were earned.

2008 through 2010 Performance Cycle.    For the 3-year cycle ending in 2010 (2008-2010), the Committee made awards of performance-vested restricted stock (or restricted stock units, as the case may be) and time-vested SARs. The target award percentages for performance-based restricted stock were set at 133% of base salary for the President and CEO, 80% of base salary for the CFO, and between 20% and 67% of base salary for each of the other named executive officers, members of the executive leadership team and other key employees. The target award percentages for SARs were set at 67% of base salary for the President and CEO, 40% of base salary for the CFO, and between 20% and 33% of base salary for each of the other named executive officers and members of the executive leadership team. The target goal for 2/3 of the performance-based restricted share awards was established by the Committee to be that income from operations of the Company, as reported in its audited Consolidated Statement of Operations, during fiscal years 2008, 2009 and 2010 (measured from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010) equals at least $183,720,000. In December, 2009 the Committee

27


recommended, and the Board approved, that this target be adjusted downward by the sum of: (a) depreciation related to assets acquired in the 2010 acquisition of ICT Group, Inc. (the ICT Transaction) that were revalued for accounting purposes and will be depreciated in the future, and amortization of intangibles related to the ICT Transaction; (b) costs to obtain synergies from the ICT Transaction; (c) ICT Transaction costs; and (d) restructuring and impairment charges incurred in 2010 related to the ICT Transaction. The target goal for 1/3 of the performance-based restricted share awards is that gross revenue from operations of the Company, as reported in its audited Consolidated Statements of Operations during fiscal years 2008, 2009 and 2010 (measured from January 1, 2008 through December 31, 2010) equals at least $2,388,953,000. Based on actual results, 150% of the performance-based restricted stock awards were earned.

2009 through 2011 Performance Cycle.    For the 3-year cycle ending in 2011 (2009-2011), the Committee made awards of performance-vested restricted stock (or restricted stock units, as the case may be) and time-vested SARs. The target award percentages for performance-based restricted stock were set at 183% of base salary for the President and CEO, 93% of base salary for the CFO, and between 20% and 93% of base salary for each of the other named executive officers, members of the executive leadership team and other key employees. The target award percentages for SARs were set at 92% of base salary for the President and CEO, 47% of base salary for the CFO, and between 23% and 47% of base salary for each of the other named executive officers and members of the executive leadership team. The target goal for 2/3 of the performance-based restricted share awards was established by the Committee to be that income from operations of the Company, as reported in its audited Consolidated Statement of Operations, during fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2011 (measured from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2011) equals at least $230,351,000. In December 2009 the Committee recommended, and the Board approved, that this target be adjusted downward by the sum of: (a) depreciation related to assets acquired in the 2010 acquisition of ICT Group, Inc. (the ICT Transaction) that were revalued for accounting purposes and will be depreciated in the future, and amortization of intangibles related to the ICT Transaction; (b) costs to obtain synergies from the ICT Transaction; (c) ICT Transaction costs; and (d) restructuring and impairment charges incurred in 2010 related to the ICT Transaction. The target goal for 1/3 of the performance-based restricted share awards is that gross revenue from operations of the Company, as reported in its audited Consolidated Statements of Operations during fiscal years 2009, 2010 and 2011 (measured from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2011) equals at least $2,821,514,000. Based on actual results, 98% of the income performance-based restricted stock awards were earned, and 150% of the revenue performance-based restricted stock awards were earned.

2010 through 2012 Performance Cycle.    For the 3-year cycle ending in 2012 (2010-2012), the Committee made awards of performance-vested restricted stock (or restricted stock units, as the case may be) and time-vested SARs. The target award percentages for performance-based restricted stock were set at 183% of base salary for the President and CEO, 93% of base salary for the CFO, and between 20% and 93% of base salary for each of the other named executive officers, members of the executive leadership team and other key employees. The target award percentages for SARs were set at 92% of base salary for the President and CEO, 47% of base salary for the CFO, and between 23% and 47% of base salary for each of the other named executive officers and members of the executive leadership team. The target goal for 2/3 of the performance-based restricted share awards was established by the Committee to be that income from operations of the Company, as reported in its audited Consolidated Statement of Operations, during fiscal years 2010, 2011 and 2012 (measured from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2012) equals at least $326,468,000. In December 2009 the Committee recommended, and the Board approved, that this target be adjusted downward by the sum of: (a) depreciation related to assets acquired in the 2010 acquisition of ICT Group, Inc. (the ICT Transaction) that were revalued for accounting purposes and will be depreciated in the future, and amortization of intangibles related to the ICT

28


Transaction; (b) costs to obtain synergies from the ICT Transaction; (c) ICT Transaction costs; and (d) restructuring and impairment charges incurred in 2010 related to the ICT Transaction. The target goal for 1/3 of the performance-based restricted share awards is that gross revenue from operations of the Company, as reported in its audited Consolidated Statements of Operations during fiscal years 2010, 2011 and 2012 (measured from January 1, 2010 through December 31, 2012) equals at least $4,038,850,000.

2011 through 2013 Performance Cycle.    For the 3-year cycle ending in 2013 (2011-2013), the Committee made awards of performance-vested restricted stock (or restricted stock units, as the case may be) and time-vested SARs. The target award percentages for performance-based restricted stock were set at 200% of base salary for the President and CEO, 93% of base salary for the CFO, and between 20% and 93% of base salary for each of the other named executive officers, members of the executive leadership team and other key employees. The target award percentages for SARs were set at 100% of base salary for the President and CEO, 47% of base salary for the CFO, and between 23% and 47% of base salary for each of the other named executive officers and members of the executive leadership team. The target goal for 2/3 of the performance-based restricted share awards was established by the Committee to be that income from operations of the Company, as reported in its audited Consolidated Statement of Operations, during fiscal years 2011, 2012 and 2013 (measured from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013), less (a) depreciation and amortization related to write-ups in connection with acquisitions, (b) costs to obtain synergies in connection with acquisitions, (c) transaction costs associated with acquisitions and dispositions, (d) restructuring and impairment charges related to the acquisitions and dispositions referenced in (c) above, and (e) any effects, (positive or negative) from foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, equals at least $270,982,000. The target goal for 1/3 of the performance-based restricted share awards is that gross revenue from operations of the Company, as reported in its audited Consolidated Statements of Operations during fiscal years 2011, 2012 and 2013 (measured from January 1, 2011 through December 31, 2013) equals at least $3,761,735,000.

proxy statement. The amount each named executive officerNEO received as performance-based, long-term equity incentive compensation for each of the three-year measurement periods beginning in 2009, 20102012, 2013 and 2011 has been2014 is reported in the summary compensation table in“Stock Awards” column of the Stock Awards column.Summary Compensation Table on page 31 of this proxy statement.

24    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

2014 - 2016 Performance Cycle

The Committee set the 2014 - 2016 performance cycle LTIP awards as a percentage of the base salary of each NEO as follows:

Named Executive Officer  

Performance
Stock

Award
Percentage
Threshold

   

Performance
Stock

Award
Percentage
Target

   

Performance
Stock

Award
Percentage
Maximum

   Restricted
Stock
Award
Percentage
   SAR Award
Percentage
 

Charles E. Sykes

   100%     200%     400%     80%     120%  

John Chapman

   25%     50%     100%     20%     30%  

Lawrence R. Zingale

   50%     100%     200%     40%     60%  

James T. Holder

   25%     50%     100%     20%     30%  

David L. Pearson

   25%     50%     100%     20%     30%  

W. Michael Kipphut(1)

   50%     100%     200%     40%     60%  

Christopher M. Carrington(1)

   50%     100%     200%     40%     60%  

(1)

Mr. Kipphut retired and Mr. Carrington resigned in 2014 and therefore neither has any continuing participation in LTIP awards for this performance cycle.

The performance stock awards will be paid to our NEOs following completion of fiscal 2016, if earned. The shares of restricted stock and SARs were granted in fiscal 2014, and will have value based on the value of the shares of the Company’s common stock over the three-year vesting period for the restricted stock and SARs.

The three-year, cumulative performance measures that will be used by the Committee for calculating award values for performance stock awards granted for the 2014 - 2016 performance period are:

Performance Measure  Weighting   Threshold Performance   Target Performance   Maximum Performance 

Plan Adjusted Operating Income

   2/3    $242,750,000    $255,526,000    $281,078,000  

Revenue

   1/3    $3,899,779,000    $4,105,030,000    $4,515,534,000  

The 2014 - 2016 performance cycle LTIP target award values for the performance stock awards, which will be paid to our NEOs following completion of fiscal 2016, if earned, and the number and value of shares of restricted stock and the number of shares underlying SARs awarded are as follows:

Named Executive Officer  

Performance

Stock

Value at Target

   

Number of

Shares of

Performance

Stock Awarded

at Target

   Restricted
Stock
Value(1)
   

Number of

Shares of
Restricted
Stock
Awarded

   

Number of

Shares
Underlying

SARs(2)

 

Charles E. Sykes

  $1,250,000     63,227    $500,000     25,291     104,167  

John Chapman

  $165,000     8,346    $66,000     3,338     13,750  

Lawrence R. Zingale

  $400,000     20,233    $160,000     8,093     33,333  

James T. Holder

  $153,174     7,748    $61,269     3,099     12,764  

David L. Pearson

  $145,580     7,364    $58,232     2,945     12,132  

W. Michael Kipphut(3)

  $424,297         $169,719            

Christopher M. Carrington(3)

  $425,000         $170,000            

(1)

The value of the restricted stock award is calculated by multiplying the market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date by the number of shares awarded to the NEO. The grant date value of the restricted stock granted to our NEOs is included in the amount set forth under “Stock Awards” on the “Summary Compensation Table” later in this proxy statement. The restricted stock award vests ratably over a three-year period, with 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2014, 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2015 and 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2016.

(2)

The SARs vest ratably over a three-year period, with 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2014, 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2015, and 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2016. Upon exercise, the NEO is entitled to a payout equal to the value of the SARs in shares of the Company’s common stock. The SARs were granted on March 28, 2014 with an exercise price of $19.77. The actual grant date value of the SARs granted to our NEOs is set forth under “Option Awards” on the “Summary Compensation Table” later in this proxy statement. The actual number of shares underlying the SARs cannot be determined until such time as the SARs vest and are exercised and the spread between the fair value on the date of exercise and the base price is known. Unexercised SARs expire 10 years after the grant date.

(3)

Due to Mr. Kipphut’s retirement and Mr. Carrington’s resignation in 2014, neither of them will receive a payout of performance stock for the 2014 - 2016 performance period and forfeited the unvested portion of the restricted stock award and SARs.

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement25


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

2013 - 2015 Performance Cycle

The Committee set the 2013 - 2015 performance cycle LTIP awards as a percentage of the base salary of each NEO as follows:

Named Executive Officer  

Performance
Stock

Award
Percentage
Threshold

   

Performance
Stock

Award
Percentage
Target

   

Performance
Stock

Award
Percentage
Maximum

   Restricted
Stock
Award
Percentage
   SAR Award
Percentage
 

Charles E. Sykes

   100%     200%     400%     80%     120%  

John Chapman(1)

   13%     27%     53%     13%     N/A  

Lawrence R. Zingale

   50%     100%     200%     40%     60%  

James T. Holder

   25%     50%     100%     20%     30%  

David L. Pearson

   25%     50%     100%     20%     30%  

W. Michael Kipphut(2)

   50%     100%     200%     40%     60%  

Christopher M. Carrington(2)

   50%     100%     200%     40%     60%  

(1)

Mr. Chapman was not an executive officer at the time of these equity grants and was therefore not eligible to participate in the grant of SARs.

(2)

Mr. Kipphut retired and Mr. Carrington resigned, both in 2014, before the expiration of this performance cycle and therefore all unvested and unexercised restricted stock and SARs were forfeited.

The performance stock awards will be paid to our NEOs following completion of fiscal 2015, if earned. The shares of restricted stock and SARs were granted in fiscal 2013, and will have value based on the value of the shares of the Company’s common stock over the three-year vesting period for the restricted stock and SARs.

The three-year, cumulative performance measures that will be used by the Committee for calculating award values for performance stock awards granted for the 2013 - 2015 performance period are:

Performance Measure  Weighting   Threshold Performance   Target Performance   Maximum Performance 

Plan Adjusted Operating Income

   2/3    $230,904,863    $243,057,750    $267,363,525  

Revenue

   1/3    $3,666,644,107    $3,859,625,375    $4,245,587,913  

The 2013 - 2015 performance cycle LTIP target award values for the performance stock awards, which will be paid to our NEOs following completion of fiscal 2015, if earned, and the number and value of shares of restricted stock and the number of shares underlying SARs awarded are as follows:

Named Executive Officer  

Performance

Stock

Value at Target

   

Number of

Shares of

Performance

Stock Awarded

at Target

   Restricted
Stock
Value(1)
   

Number of

Shares of
Restricted
Stock
Awarded

   

Number of

Shares
Underlying

SARs(2)

 

Charles E. Sykes

  $1,250,000     81,967    $500,000     32,787     123,355  

John Chapman(3)

  $51,128     3,353    $25,555     1,676     N/A  

Lawrence R. Zingale

  $400,000     26,230    $160,000     10,492     39,474  

James T. Holder

  $153,174     10,044    $61,269     4,018     15,116  

David L. Pearson

  $145,000     9,546    $58,232     3,818     14,366  

W. Michael Kipphut(4)

  $424,297     27,823    $169,719     11,129     41,871  

Christopher M. Carrington(4)

  $425,000     27,869    $170,000     11,148     41,941  

(1)

The value of the restricted stock award is calculated by multiplying the market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date by the number of shares awarded to the NEO. The grant date value of the restricted stock granted to our NEOs is included in the amount set forth under “Stock Awards” on the “Summary Compensation Table” later in this proxy statement. The restricted stock award vests ratably over a three-year period, with 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2013, 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2014 and 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2015.

(2)

The SARs vest ratably over a three-year period, with 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2013, 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2014, and 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2015. Upon exercise, the NEO is entitled to a payout equal to the value of the SARs in shares of the Company’s common stock. The SARs were granted on March 26, 2013 with an exercise price of $15.25. The actual grant date value of the SARs granted to our NEOs is set forth under “Option Awards” on the “Summary Compensation Table” later in this proxy statement. The actual number of shares underlying the SARs cannot be determined until such time as the SARs vest and are exercised and the spread between the fair value on the date of exercise and the base price is known.

(3)

Mr. Chapman was not an executive officer at the time of these equity grants and was therefore not eligible to participate in the grant of SARs.

(4)

Due to the retirement of Mr. Kipphut and resignation of Mr. Carrington in 2014, neither will receive a payout of performance stock for the 2013 - 2015 performance period and forfeited all unvested and unexercised portions of the restricted stock award and SARs.

26    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

2012 - 2014 Performance Cycle

In 2012, the Committee set the 2012 - 2014 performance cycle LTIP awards as a percentage of the base salary of each NEO as follows:

Named Executive Officer  

Performance
Stock

Award
Percentage
Threshold

   

Performance
Stock

Award
Percentage
Target

   

Performance
Stock

Award
Percentage
Maximum

   SAR Award
Percentage
 

Charles E. Sykes

   100%     200%     300%     100%  

John Chapman(1)

   13%     27%     40%     N/A  

Lawrence R. Zingale

   47%     93%     140%     47%  

James T. Holder

   23%     47%     70%     23%  

David L. Pearson

   23%     47%     70%     23%  

W. Michael Kipphut

   47%     93%     140%     47%  

Christopher M. Carrington(2)

   N/A     N/A     N/A     N/A  

(1)

Mr. Chapman was not an executive officer of the Company at the time of these grants and was therefore not eligible to participate in the grant of SARs.

(2)

Mr. Carrington was not employed by the Company at the time of these grants and therefore did not participate in this performance cycle of incentive compensation.

The SARs were granted in fiscal 2012, and will have value based on the value of the shares of the Company’s common stock over the three-year vesting period for the SARs.

The three-year, cumulative performance measures that were be used by the Committee for calculating award values for performance stock awards granted for the 2012 - 2014 performance period were:

Performance Measure  Weighting   Threshold Performance   Target Performance   Maximum Performance 

Plan Adjusted Operating Income

   2/3    $265,714,151    $279,699,106    $307,669,017  

Revenue

   1/3    $3,536,384,491    $3,722,509,991    $4,094,760,990  

The 2012 - 2014 performance cycle LTIP target award values for the performance stock awards, and the number of shares underlying SARs are as follows:

Named Executive Officer  Total Award
Value at Target
   

Performance Stock

Value at Target

   Number of Shares of
Performance Stock
Awarded at Target
   Number of Shares
Underlying SARs(1)
 

Charles E. Sykes

  $1,875,000    $1,250,000     82,183     104,690  

John Chapman

  $80,514    $53,676     3,529     N/A  

Lawrence R. Zingale

  $514,268    $342,833     22,540     28,716  

James T. Holder

  $214,443    $142,972     9,400     11,972  

David L. Pearson

  $203,812    $135,884     8,934     11,378  

W. Michael Kipphut(2)

  $594,017    $395,997     26,035     33,169  

Christopher M. Carrington(3)

   N/A     N/A     N/A     N/A  

(1)

The SARs vest ratably over a three-year period, with 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2012, 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2013, and 1/3 of the award vesting after fiscal 2014. Upon exercise, the NEO is entitled to a payout equal to the value of the SARs in shares of the Company’s common stock. The SARs were granted on March 21, 2012 with an exercise price of $15.21. The actual grant date value of the SARs granted to our NEOs is set forth under “Option Awards” on the “Summary Compensation Table” later in this proxy statement. The actual number of shares underlying the SARs cannot be determined until such time as the SARs vest and are exercised and the spread between the fair value on the date of exercise and the base price is known.

(2)

Due to Mr. Kipphut’s retirement in April of 2014, Mr. Kipphut will not receive a payout of performance stock for the 2012 - 2014 performance period and forfeited the unvested and unexercised portion of the restricted stock award and SARs.

(3)

Mr. Carrington was not employed by the Company at the time of these grants and therefore did not participate in this performance cycle of incentive compensation.

The Company’s cummulative Plan Adjusted Operating Income during the 2012 - 2014 performance cycle did not meet the performance threshold for a payout, and therefore no performance stock based upon Plan Adjusted Operating Income were paid to the NEOs for that performance cycle.

The Company’s cummulative revenue during the 2012 - 2014 performance cycle was $3.7 billion which exceeded the threshold performance requirement for a payout at 99% of the target. The related performance shares were paid to the NEOs in March, 2015.

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement27


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

The Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year-End table later in this proxy statement shows the number of shares underlying outstanding SARs granted between 2008 and 2014 and held by each NEO, which have exercise prices between $15.21 and $23.88, based on the market price of the Company’s common stock on the grant date.

Executive Deferred Compensation

Participation in the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan (the “EDC“Deferred Compensation Plan”) is limited to employees at the Director level and above within the Company’s organizational structure (in ascending order, Directors, Senior Directors, Executive Directors, Vice Presidents, Global Vice Presidents, Senior Vice Presidents, Executive Vice Presidents and the President). Participants in the EDCDeferred Compensation Plan may elect to defer any amount of base compensation and bonus. The Company matches a portion of amounts deferred by participants at the level of Vice President and above on a quarterly basis as follows: 50% match on compensationsalary deferred, up to a total match of $12,000 per year for SeniorExecutive Vice Presidents and above and $7,500 per year for Senior Vice Presidents, Global Vice Presidents and Vice Presidents. No match is made on deferrals by other participants. The matching contributions made to the EDCDeferred Compensation Plan by the Company are made in the form of Company common stock.

Compensation deferred by a participant while participating in the EDCDeferred Compensation Plan is deferred until such participant’s retirement, termination, disability or death, or a change in control of the Company, as defined in the EDCDeferred Compensation Plan, and in such event is paid out to the participant or his beneficiary. Under current tax law, a participant does not recognize income with respect to deferred compensation until it is paid to him or her. Upon payment, the participant will recognize ordinary income in an amount equal to the sum of the cash and the fair market value of

29


the shares of stock received, and the Company will be entitled to a deduction equal to the income recognized by the participant.

Distributions of a participant’s deferred compensation and Company common stock contributed as matching contributions are made as soon as administratively feasible six months after retirement or termination of employment, unless the participant dies or becomes disabled while still an employee, in which case both distributions are made on the first day of the second month following the death or disability.

In the event theA participant terminates employment (for reasons other than death, disability or retirement) without participating in the EDCDeferred Compensation Plan for three years, the matching contributions and earnings attributable thereto are forfeited. In the event that a participant terminates employment after three years but less than five years of participation in the EDC Plan, the participant forfeits 67% of the matching contribution and earnings. In the event a participant terminates employment after five years but less than seven years of participation in the EDC Plan, the participant forfeits 33% of the matching contribution and earnings. In the event a participant terminates employment after seven years of participation in the EDC Plan, the participant is entitled to retain all of the matching contribution and earnings.

In the event of a distribution of benefits as a result of a change in control, the Company will increase the benefits for the participants by an amount sufficient to offset the income tax obligations created by the distribution of benefits.

Participants forfeitany undistributed matching contributions if the participant is terminated for “cause” as defined in the EDCDeferred Compensation Plan or the participant enters into a business or employment which the Company’s CEO determines to be in violation of any non-compete agreement between the participant and the Company. In addition, participants that terminate their employment (for reasons other than death, disability or retirement) less than seven years after the date they begin making contributions to the Deferred Compensation Plan risk forfeiture of all or a portion of the Company’s matching contributions and earnings, as outlined below:

Years of Participation in the

Deferred Compensation

Plan Prior to Termination

Effect of Termination on

Matching Contribution

and Earnings

Less than 3

Forfeited

3 or more, but less than 5

Forfeits 67%

5 or more, but less than 7

Forfeits 33%

7 or more

Retains 100%

In the event of a distribution of benefits as a result of a change in control, the Company will increase the benefits for Senior Vice Presidents, Executive Vice Presidents and the President by an amount sufficient to offset the income tax obligations created by the distribution of benefits.

Other Elements of the Compensation Program

Stock Ownership Guidelines

The Board has adopted stock ownership guidelines for the named executive officersNEOs and other members of the senior management team, which vary by position from 150% to 400% of base salary. These guidelines, which allow the executives five (5) years beginning Januaryon August 1, 20082013 to acquire thisthe required amount of stock, were originally adopted in 2006.2006 and updated in 2013. The Committee reviews sharethe stock ownership of the Company’s executivesexecutive officers on an annual basis to ensure that the executive officers are aware of where each stands in relation to the established guidelines. For purposes of the guidelines, stock ownership includes fully vested stock options, directly held common stock time-vested restricted stock, performanceand fully vested matching shares and indirectly held shares that are considered beneficially owned under applicable SEC rules. We believe that these guidelines are appropriate to encourage our executive officers to hold a sufficient amount of our equity to create a mutuality of interest between our executive officers and our shareholders.the Company’s Executive Deferred

Compensation Plan. There are no additional stock holding period requirements for shares acquired upon exercise of SARs or upon the vesting of performance-based restricted stock. As of December 31, 2011, all named executive officers are in compliance with the stock ownership guidelines.

Clawback and Anti-Hedging Policies

The Board has not yet adopted specific clawback and anti-hedging policies beyond the requirements already created by various provisions of Sarbanes-Oxley. However, the Board intends to adopt fully compliant clawback and anti-hedging policies as soon as practicalpracticable following the issuance of final rules and regulations by the SEC in enacting the requirements of the 2010 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act.

28    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  COMPENSATION DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS  

 

30


Change-in-Control Provisions

We have change of controlchange-in-control provisions in the employment agreements with our PresidentMessrs. Sykes, Chapman and CEO, and our CFO, as well asZingale. We also have change-in-control provisions in all of the equity incentive agreements with all of our executives and key employees. The changechange-in-control provision in the employment agreement with Mr. Sykes is a modified “double-trigger” arrangement which permits him to terminate his agreement for “Good Reason,” the definition of controlwhich includes a change-in-control. The change-in-control provisions in the twofour other employment agreements are “double-trigger” arrangements, meaning that payments are only made if there is a change in controlchange-in-control of the Company and the executive officer’s employment is terminated without cause, or the executive officer terminates employment for good reason, as such terms are defined in their respective employment agreements. All of our employment agreements with the named executive officers,NEOs, and the other executive officers, contain severance agreements ranging from one to three years of compensation and benefits in the event of termination by the Company other than for cause. These agreements are discussed in greater detail beginning on page 4340 under “Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change of Control.the heading “Employment Agreements.” We believe that providing these agreements

helps increase our ability to attract, retain and motivate highly qualified management personnel and encourage their continued dedication without distraction from concerns over job security relating, among other things, to a change in controlchange-in-control of the Company.

Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits

The Company provides named executive officersits NEOs with perquisites and other personal benefits that the Company and the Committee believe are reasonable and consistent with its overall compensation program to better enable the Company to attract and retain superior employees for key positions. For our named executive officers, the amount of compensation shown under the Other Compensation column of the Summary Compensation Table represents less than 2% of their total compensation for the year. These amounts represent mainly Company matches to the EDCDeferred Compensation Plan, excess group term life insurance premiums and additional compensation paid to the named executive officersNEOs related to the cost of executive physicals and other health and welfare benefits. The Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other personal benefits provided to named executive officers.

The named executive officersNEOs are also permitted to fly in business class when traveling overseas on business and are permitted to attend sporting events utilizing Company paid tickets that are not otherwise utilized in connection with business development. The Committee periodically reviews the levels of perquisites and other personal benefits provided to NEOs.

Mitigating Compensation Risks

Although the responsibility for oversight of enterprise risk management lies with the full Board, the Committee annually reviews and conducts an assessment of the risks associated with the Company’s compensation policies and practices. Based on its assessment conducted in 2014, the Committee determined that the Company’s compensation policies and practices are not reasonably likely to have a material adverse effect on the Company. In reaching that conclusion, the Committee evaluated each of the following key elements of the Company’s compensation plans and practices for its executive officers:

Performance and pay horizons are appropriate and not overweight in short-term incentives;

The relationship between the incremental achievement levels and corresponding payouts in the Company’s incentive plans are appropriate and have caps on payouts;

The incentive plans employ a reasonable mix of performance metrics and are not concentrated on a single metric;

Criteria for payments are closely aligned with our strategic goals and shareholder interests;

Payout curves are reasonable and do not contain steep “cliffs” that might encourage unreasonable short-term business decisions to achieve payment thresholds; and

Equity compensation plans for executive officers consist of a balanced mix of performance-based restricted stock awards, time-based SARs, and time-based restricted stock awards.

Tax and Accounting Implications

Deductibility of Executive CompensationCompensation.

As part of its role, the Committee reviews and considers the deductibility of executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides that the Company may not deduct compensation of more than $1,000,000 per year that is paid to certain individuals. The Company believes that compensation paid under theits management incentive plans is generally fully deductible for federal income tax purposes. However, in certain situations, the Committee may approve compensation that will not meet thesethe requirements of Section 162(m) in order to ensure competitive levels of total compensation for its executive officers.

Nonqualified Deferred CompensationCompensation.

On October 22, 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 (the “Jobs Creation Act”) was signed into law, changing the tax rules applicable to nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements. Final regulations have now become effective and theThe Company has amendedbelieves its agreements containing deferred compensation components to comply with

31


those regulations. the final regulations issued in connection with the Jobs Creation Act. A more detailed discussion of the Company’s nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements is provided on page 2936 under the heading “Executive“Nonqualified Deferred Compensation.”

Accounting for Equity Based Compensation

Beginning on January 1, 2006, the Company began accounting for stock-based payments, including those under its long-term incentive programs, in accordance with the requirements of FASB ASC Topic 718 (formerly FAS Statement 123(R)).

 

32SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement29


COMPENSATION AND HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

COMMITTEE REPORT

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT

The Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed the Compensation Discussion and Analysis required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K with management and, based on such review and discussions, the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee recommended to the Board that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in this Proxy Statement.proxy statement.

THE COMPENSATION AND HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

Mark C. Bozek,James S. MacLeod, Chairman

James K. Murray, Jr.

James S. MacLeodLt. Gen. Michael DeLong (Ret.)

William D. Muir, Jr.

 

3330    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

SUMMARY COMPENSATION TABLESummary Compensation Table

The table below summarizes the total compensation paid to, or earned by, each of the named executive officers for the fiscal years ending December 31, 2011,2014, December 31, 20102013 and December 31, 2009.2012. The Company has entered into employment agreements with each of the named executive officers which are summarized under the section entitled “Employment Agreements” below. When setting the total compensation for each of the named executive officers, the Committee considers all of the executive’s current compensation, including equity and non-equity based compensation.

The named executive officers weredid not entitled to receive payments which would be characterized as “Bonus” payments for the fiscal years ended December 31, 20112014, December 31, 2013 or December 31, 2009.2012. Amounts listed under column (g), “Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation” were paid in accordance with parameters determined by the Committee at itson March 7, 201118, 2014, March 19, 2013 and December 2, 2008 meetings,March 6, 2012, respectively, and were paid in March 20122015, March 2014 and March 2010,2013, respectively.

 

(a)

 (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j)  (b) (c) (d) (e) (f) (g) (h) (i) (j) 

Name and Principal
Position

 Year Salary
($)(1)
 Bonus
($)(2)
 Stock
Awards
($)(3)
 Option
Awards

($)(3)
 Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

($)(4)
 Change in
Pension Value
and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)
 All Other
Compensation
($)(5)
 Total ($)  Year 

Salary

($)

 

Bonus

($)

 Stock
Awards
($)(1)
 

Option
Awards

($)(1)

 

Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation

($)(2)

 

Change in
Pension

Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings

($)

 All Other
Compensation
($)(3)
 

Total

($)

 

Charles E. Sykes

  2011    609,058        1,250,610    624,999    502,473     27,044    3,014,183    2014    635,773        1,750,001    750,002    966,851        30,132    4,132,759  

President and Chief

  2010    549,994    220,000    1,008,811    504,180         37,530    2,320,515    2013    624,998        1,749,999    749,998    512,499        30,021    3,667,515  

Executive Officer

  2009    571,147        1,008,837    504,167    582,570     29,303    2,696,024    2012    624,998        1,250,627    624,999    546,874        32,019    3,079,517  

W. Michael Kipphut

  2011    413,210        388,429    194,135    238,629     31,859    1,266,262  
John Chapman(4)  2014    293,876        230,992    99,000    189,706        145,853    959,427  

Executive Vice President

  2010    400,005    299,501    373,507    186,680         40,561    1,300,254           

& Chief Financial Officer

  2009    415,390        373,519    186,665    296,588     30,540    1,302,702   

James C. Hobby

  2011    362,933        345,470    172,665    209,594     26,975    1,117,637  

Executive Vice President,

  2010    335,504    80,521    313,282    156,581         37,022    922,910  

Global Operations

  2009    348,408        313,288    156,569    213,226     28,245    1,059,736  

Lawrence R. Zingale

  2011    352,701        336,284    168,071    203,685     25,980    1,086,721    2014    406,467        560,005    239,998    342,144        28,803    1,577,417  

Executive Vice President,

  2010    322,005    77,281    300,673    150,281         33,602    883,842    2013    400,005        560,011    240,002    261,243        27,675    1,488,935  

Global Sales and Client Management

  2009    334,390        300,686    150,270    204,646     23,999    1,013,991  
General Manager Major Markets  2012    374,088        343,001    171,435    216,036        26,462    1,131,022  

James T. Holder

  2011    294,101        140,249    70,070    121,317     18,952    644,689    2014    316,243        214,445    91,901    218,603        24,385    865,577  

Executive Vice President,

  2010    270,005    149,451    126,063    62,996         27,958    636,473    2013    306,342        214,446    91,905    125,600        24,721    763,014  

General Counsel and

  2009    280,390        126,075    63,003    114,399     21,497    605,364    2012    304,955        143,050    71,473    133,418        24,077    676,973  

Corporate Secretary

                           
David L. Pearson  2014    298,987        203,809    87,350    206,675        31,913    828,734  
Executive Vice President and  2013    291,158        203,801    87,345    119,375        29,193    730,872  
Chief Information Officer  2012    289,843        135,947    67,927    126,806        28,543    649,066  
W. Michael Kipphut(5)  2014    184,407                        443,781    628,188  
Executive Vice President  2013    424,299        594,018    254,576    243,548        40,217    1,556,658  
& Chief Financial Officer  2012    422,379        396,190    198,019    258,707        36,439    1,311,734  
Christopher M. Carrington(6)  2014    208,519        594,998    255,002            4,567    1,063,086  
Executive Vice President of  2013    425,006        595,009    255,001    304,645        4,712    1,584,373  
Global Delivery  2012    137,047                401,711        2,157    540,915  

 

(1) 

The amounts shown in column (c) include amounts resulting from a 27th pay period that fell into 2009.

(2)

The amounts shown in column (d) include discretionary bonuses earned in 2010.

(3)

The amounts shown in column (e) and (f) represent awards pursuant to long term incentive bonus programs (restricted stock and stock appreciation rights, respectively) established by the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee. The amounts are valued based on the aggregate grant date fair value of the awards in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718, “Compensation – Stock Compensation” (formerly FAS 123(R)). Amounts for 2008 have been recalculated using the same methodology in accordance with

34


SEC rules. See Notes 1 and 26 to the Consolidated Financial Statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20112014 filed on February 29, 201219, 2015 for a discussion of the relevant assumptions used in calculating the grant date fair value in accordance with FASB ASC Topic 718.

(4)(2) 

The amounts in column (g) reflect the cash awards to the named individuals pursuant to annual performance-basedperformance based incentive programs established by the Committee and discussed in more detail on page 2523 under the heading “Performance-Based“Performance Based Annual Cash Incentive Compensation.”

(5)(3) 

The amounts shown in column (i) reflect for each named executive officer:

 

matching contributions allocated by the Company to each of the named executive officers pursuant to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan described in more detail on page 29 under the heading “Executive Deferred Compensation;”

matching contributions allocated by the Company to each of the named executive officers pursuant to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan described in more detail on page 36 under the heading “Nonqualified Deferred Compensation;”

 

reimbursement for premiums attributable to increased coverage for vision, dental and group medical insurance benefits;

reimbursement for premiums attributable to increased coverage for vision, dental and group medical insurance benefits;

 

the cost of premiums for term life and disability insurance benefits; and

the cost of premiums for term life and disability insurance benefits; and

 

the Company’s matching contribution to the Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated Employees’ 401(k) Savings Plan and Trust.
(4)

Mr. Chapman became a named executive officer in April 2014.

(5)

Mr. Kipphut retired in April 2014.

(6)

Mr. Carrington resigned in June 2014.

the Company’s matching contribution to the Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated Employees’ Savings Plan and Trust.

The amount in column (i) for Mr. Kipphut also includes a country club membership paid by the Company.SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement31


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

 

35Grants of Plan-Based Awards


GRANTS OF PLAN-BASED AWARDS

The following table provides information about equity and non-equity awards granted to the named executives in 2011,2014, including (i) the grant date, (ii) the estimated future payouts under the non-equity incentive plan awards, (iii) the estimated future payouts under equity incentive plan awards, which consist of shares of restricted stock, (iv) all other stock awards which consist of shares of the Company’s stock contributed as matching contributions under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, (v) all other option awards, which consist of Stock Appreciation Rights and the base price of those Stock Appreciation Rights, and (vi) the fair value of the equity awards on the date of grant.

 

 (b)
Grant
Date
  Estimated Future Payouts
Under Non-Equity Incentive
Plan Awards(1)
 Estimated Future Payouts
Under Equity Incentive Plan
Awards(2)
 (i)
All  Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units

(#)(3)
  (j)
All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)(4)
  (k)
Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/sh)
  (l)
Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock and
Option
Awards
($)
  (b)
Grant
Date
  

Estimated Future

Payouts Under Non-Equity
Incentive Plan Awards(1)

 

Estimated Future Payouts Under

Equity Incentive Plan Awards(2)

  

(i)

All Other
Stock
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units

(#)(3)

  

(j)

All Other
Option
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)(4)

  

(k)

 

 

Exercise
or Base
Price of
Option
Awards
($/sh)

  

(l)

Grant
Date Fair
Value of
Stock
and
Option
Awards
($)

 

(a)

Name

 (c)
Threshold
($)
 (d)
Target
($)
 (e)
Maximum
($)
 (f)
Threshold
(#)
 (g)
Target
(#)
 (h)
Maximum
(#)
  (c)
Threshold
($)
 (d)
Target
($)
 (e)
Maximum
($)
 (f)
Threshold
(#)
 (g)
Target
(#)
 (h)
Maximum
(#)
 

Charles E. Sykes

  3/07                53,528    66,985    100,428            18.67    1,250,610    3/28                31,614    63,227    126,454            19.77    1,249,998  
 3/07                                88,028    18.67    624,999  
 3/07    304,529    609,058    913,586                              
 3/31                            606        19.77    11,981  

W. Michael Kipphut

  3/07                16,625    20,805    31,192            18.67    388,429  
 3/07                                27,343    18.67    194,135  
 3/07    144,623    289,247    433,870                              
 3/31                            394        19.77    7,789  
 6/30                            156        21.53    3,359  
 9/30                            56        14.95    837  

James C. Hobby

  3/07                14,786    18,504    27,742            18.67    345,470  
 3/07                                24,319    18.67    172,665  
 3/07    127,026    254,053    381,079                              
 3/31                            606        19.77    11,981  

Lawrence R. Zingale

  3/07                14,393    18,012    27,004            18.67    336,284  
 3/07                                23,672    18.67    168,071  
 3/07    123,445    246,891    370,336                              
  3/28                            25,291        19.77    500,003  
  3/28                                104,167    19.77    750,002  
  3/28    354,750    709,500    1,064,250                              
  3/31                            603        19.87    11,982  

John Chapman

  3/28                4,173    8,346    16,692            19.77    165,000  
  3/28                            3,338        19.77    65,992  
  3/28                                13,750    19.77    99,000  
  3/28    69,740    139,481    209,221                              
  9/30                            88        19.98    1,758  
  12/31                            64        23.47    1,502  

Lawrence R. Zingale

 3/31                            153        19.77    3,025    3/28                10,116    20,233    40,465            19.77    400,006  
  6/30                            180        21.53    3,875    3/28                            8,093        19.77    159,999  
  9/30                            259        14.95    3,872    3/28                                33,333    19.77    239,998  
  12/31                            77        15.66    1,206    3/28    144,200    288,400    432,600                              
  3/31                            216        19.87    4,292  
  6/30                            170        21.73    3,694  
  9/30                            199        19.98    3,976  

James T. Holder

  3/07                6,003    7,512    11,262            18.67    140,249    3/28                3,874    7,748    15,496            19.77    153,178  
 3/07                                9,869    18.67    70,070  
 3/07    73,525    147,050    220,576                              
 3/31                            606        19.77    11,981  
  3/28                            3,099        19.77    61,267  
  3/28                                12,764    19.77    91,901  
  3/28    81,182    162,364    243,546                              
  3/31                            166        19.87    3,298  
  6/30                            131        21.73    2,847  
  9/30                            175        19.98    3,497  
  12/31                            100        23.47    2,347  

David L. Pearson

  3/28                3,682    7,364    14,727            19.77    145,586  
  3/28                            2,945        19.77    58,223  
  3/28                                12,132    19.77    87,350  
  3/28    76,425    152,850    229,275                              
  3/31                            177        19.87    3,517  
  6/30                            140        21.73    3,042  
  9/30                            185        19.98    3,696  
  12/31                            73        23.47    1,713  

W. Michael Kipphut

  3/31                            417        19.87    8,286  
  6/30                            96        21.73    2,086  

Christopher M. Carrington

  3/28                                    19.77      
  3/28                            8,599        19.77    170,002  
  3/28                                35,417    19.77    255,002  
  3/28                                          

 

(1) 

These amounts are based on the individual’s current salary and position.

(2) 

Where amounts are shown in columns (f) and (h), then the amounts shown in column (f) reflect the Long-Term Incentive Stock Grant minimum which is 80%50% of the target amount shown in column (g), and the amount shown in column (h) is 150%200% of such target amount. The target amount shown is an absolute target.

36


These amounts are based on the individual’s current salary and position. The grant date fair value of the long-term incentive plan awards are based upon the target amounts shown in column (g).

(3) 

The amounts shown in column (i) reflect the number of shares of stock granted to each named executive officer as matching contributions pursuant to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.

(4) 

The amounts shown in column (j) reflect the number of Stock Appreciation Rights granted to each named executive officer as part of the Long-Term Incentive awards as described in more detail on page 2624 under the heading “Performance-Based, Long-Term, Equity Incentive Compensation.” The actual number of shares underlying the Stock Appreciation Rights cannot be determined until such time as the Stock Appreciation Rights vest and are exercised and the spread between the fair value on the date of exercise and the base price is known. The fair value of the Stock Appreciation Rights included in column (l) is the amount determined pursuant to FASB ASC Topic 718 (formerly FAS Statement 123(R)).

32    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

 

37Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End


OUTSTANDING EQUITY AWARDS AT FISCAL YEAR-END

The following table provides information on the holdings of stock option and stock awards by the named executives as of December 31, 2011.2014. The table includes both exercisable and unexercisable options together with the exercise price and the expiration date; unvested Stock Appreciation Rights; the number of shares and market value of unvested matching contributions to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan; and the number of shares of long term incentive (“LTI”) restricted stock together with the market value of those shares.

 

   Option Awards  Stock Awards 

(a)

 (b)  (c)  (d) (e)  (f)  (g)  (h)  (i)  (j) 

Name

 Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options

(#)
 Option
Exercise
Price

($)
  Option
Expiration
Date
  Number
of Shares
or Units of
Stock
That Have
Not Vested

(#)
  Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested

($)
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
units  or
Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested

(#)
  Equity
Incentive
Plan
Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares, Units
or Other
Rights That
Have Not
Vested

($)
 

Charles E. Sykes

         

2008-2010 SARs(3)

  15,432         17.87    01/02/18                  

2009-2011 LTI RS(4)

                           58,038    908,875  

2009-2011 SARs(5)

  45,298    22,649     19.69    01/05/19                  

2010-2012 LTI RS(6)

                           33,758    683,937  

2010-2012 SARs(7)

  16,461    32,920     23.88    03/05/20                  

2011-2013 LTI RS(8)

                           53,562    838,781  

2011-2013 SARs(9)

      88,028     18.67    03/07/21                  

W. Michael Kipphut

         

2006-2008 SARs(1)

  20,731         14.56    03/29/16                  

2007-2009 SARs(2)

  19,093         17.64    01/02/17                  

2008-2010 SARs(3)

  20,472         17.87    01/02/18                  

2009-2011 LTI RS(4)

                           21,488    336,502  

2009-2011 SARs(5)

  16,772    8,385     19.69    01/15/19                  

2010-2012 LTI RS(6)

                           12,498    195,719  

2010-2012 SARs(7)

  6,095    12,189     23.88    03/05/20            

2011-2012 LTI RS(8)

                           16,635    260,504  

2011-2013 SARs(9)

      27,343     18.67    03/07/21                  

James C. Hobby

         

2007-2009 SARs(2)

  13,169         17.64    01/02/17                  

2008-2010 SARs(3)

  14,120         17.87    01/02/18                  

2009-2011 LTI RS(4)

                           18,023    282,240  

2009-2011 SARs(5)

  14,068    7,033     19.69    01/05/19            

2010-2012 LTI RS(6)

                           10,483    164,164  

2010-2012 SARs(7)

  5,112    10,224     23.88    03/05/20                  

2011-2013 LTI RS(8)

                           14,796    231,705  

2011-2013 SARs(9)

      24,319     18.67    03/07/21                  

Lawrence R. Zingale

         

2008-2010 SARs(3)

  4,706         17.87    01/02/18                  

2009-2011 LTI RS(4)

                           17,298    270,887  

2009-2011 SARs(5)

  6,751    6,750     19.69    01/05/19                  

2010-2012 LTI RS(6)

                           10,061    157,555  

2010-2012 SARs(7)

  4,907    9,812     23.88    03/05/20                  

2011-2013 LTI RS(8)

                           14,402    225,535  

2011-2013 SARs(9)

      23,672     18.67    03/07/21                  

EDC Match(10)

                   920    14,403          

James T. Holder

         

2008-2010 SARs(3)

  2,274         17.87    01/02/18                  

2009-2011 LTI RS(4)

                           7,252    113,566  

2009-2011 SARs(5)

  2,830    2,830     19.69    01/05/19                  

2010-2012 LTI RS(6)

                           4,218    66,054  

2010-2012 SARs(7)

  2,057    4,113     23.88    03/05/20                  

2011-2013 LTI RS(8)

                        6,006    94,054  

2011-2013 SARs(9)

      9,869     18.67    03/07/21                  
   Option Awards  Stock Awards 

(a)

 (b)  (c)  (d)  (e)  (f)  (g)  (h)  (i)  (j) 
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  

Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options

(#)

  

Option
Exercise
Price

($)

  Option
Expiration
Date
  

Number
of Shares
or Units of
Stock
That Have
Not Vested

(#)

  

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested

($)

  

Equity
Incentive

Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
units or
Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested

(#)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested

($)

 

Charles E. Sykes

         

2008-2010 SARs(1)

  15,432            17.87    01/02/18                  

2009-2011 SARS(2)

  67,947            19.69    01/05/19                  

2010-2012 SARs(3)

  49,381            23.88    03/05/20                  

2011-2013 SARs(4)

  88,028            18.67    03/07/21                  

2012-2014 LTI  PS(5)

                              71,225    1,671,651  

2012-2014 SARs(6)

  69,793    34,897        15.21    03/21/22                  

2013-2015 LTI PS(7)

                              138,934    3,260,781  

2013-2015 LTI  RS(8)

                              21,858    513,007  

2013-2015 SARs(9)

  41,118    82,237        15.25    03/26/23                  

2014-2016 LTI  PS(10)

                              104,957    2,463,341  

2014-2016 LTI  RS(11)

                              25,291    593,580  

2014-2016 SARs(12)

      104,167        19.77    03/28/24                  

John Chapman

         

2012-2014 LTI PS(6)

                              3,058    71,771  

2012-2014 LTI RS(13)

                              588    13,800  

2013-2015 LTI PS(7)

                              5,683    133,380  

2013-2015 LTI RS(8)

                              1,118    26,239  

2014-2016 LTI PS(9)

                              13,854    325,153  

2014-2016 LTI RS(10)

                              3,338    78,343  

2014-2016 SARs(11)

      13,750        19.77    03/28/24                  

Lawrence R. Zingale

         

2008-2010 SARs(1)

  4,706            17.87    01/02/18                  

2009-2011 SARS(2)

  13,501            19.69    01/05/19                  

2010-2012 SARs(3)

  14,719            23.88    03/05/20                  

2011-2013 SARs(4)

  23,672            18.67    03/07/21                  

2012-2014 LTI  PS(5)

                              19,534    458,463  

2012-2014 SARs(6)

      9,572        15.21    03/21/22                  

2013-2015 LTI PS(7)

                              44,459    1,043,453  

2013-2015 LTI  RS(8)

                              6,995    164,173  

2013-2015 SARs(9)

  13,158    26,316        15.25    03/26/23                  

2014-2016 LTI  PS(10)

                              33,586    788,263  

2014-2016 LTI  RS(11)

                              8,093    189,943  

2014-2016 SARs(12)

      33,333        19.77    03/28/24                  

James T. Holder

         

2010-2012 SARs(3)

  6,170         23.88    03/05/20                  

2011-2013 SARs(4)

              18.67    03/07/21                  

2012-2014 LTI PS(5)

                              8,146    191,187  

2012-2014 SARs(6)

      3,991        15.21    03/21/22                  

2013-2015 LTI PS(7)

                              17,024    399,553  

2013-2015 LTI RS(8)

                              2,679    62,876  

2013-2015 SARs(9)

      10,078        15.25    03/26/23                  

2014-2016 LTI PS(10)

                              12,862    301,871  

2014-2016 LTI RS(11)

                              3,099    72,734  

2014-2016 SARs(12)

      12,764        19.77    03/28/24                  

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement33


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

 

38


   Option Awards  Stock Awards 

(a)

 (b)  (c)  (d)  (e)  (f)  (g)  (h)  (i)  (j) 
Name Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Exercisable
  Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options (#)
Unexercisable
  

Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Unearned
Options

(#)

  

Option
Exercise
Price

($)

  Option
Expiration
Date
  

Number
of Shares
or Units of
Stock
That Have
Not Vested

(#)

  

Market
Value of
Shares or
Units of
Stock That
Have Not
Vested

($)

  

Equity
Incentive

Plan Awards:
Number of
Unearned
Shares,
units or
Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested

(#)

  

Equity
Incentive
Plan Awards:
Market or
Payout Value
of Unearned
Shares,
Units or
Other Rights
That Have
Not Vested

($)

 

David L. Pearson

         

2007-2009 SARs(14)

  5,440            17.64    01/02/17                  

2008-2010 SARs(1)

  6,417            17.87    01/02/18                  

2009-2011 SARS(2)

  7,991            19.69    01/05/19                  

2010-2012 SARs(3)

  5,807            23.88    03/05/20            

2011-2013 SARs(4)

  9,380            18.67    03/07/21            

2012-2014 LTI PS(5)

                              7,743    181,728  

2012-2014 SARs(6)

  7,585    3,793        15.21    03/21/22                  

2013-2015 LTI PS(7)

                              16,181    379,768  

2013-2015 LTI RS(8)

                              2,546    59,755  

2013-2015 SARs(9)

  4,788    9,578        15.25    03/26/23                  

2014-2016 LTI PS(10)

                              12,223    286,874  

2014-2016 LTI RS(11)

                              2,945    69,119  

2014-2016 SARs(12)

      12,132        19.77    03/28/24                  

 

(1) 

The figures in this row represent Stock Appreciation Rights (“SARs”) that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2006-20082008-2010 performance measurement period. The SARs vested 1/3 each year on January 2, 2009, 2010, and 2011.

(2) 

The figures in this row represent Stock Appreciation RightsSARs that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2009-2011 performance measurement period. The SARs vested 1/3 each year on January 5, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

(3)

The figures in this row represent SARs that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2010-2012 performance measurement period. The SARs vested 1/3 each year on January 5, 2011, 2012, and 2013.

(4)

The figures in this row represent SARs that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2011-2013 performance measurement period. The SARs vested 1/3 each year on March 7, 2012, 2013, and 2014.

(5)

The figures in this row represent performance vesting restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2012-2014 performance measurement period. The shares vested on March 21, 2015.

(6)

The figures in this row represent SARs that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2012-2014 performance measurement period. The SARs vested 1/3 each year on March 21, 2013, 2014, and 2015.

(7)

The figures in this row represent performance vesting restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2013-2015 performance measurement period. The shares vest on March 15, 2016 if the performance measures have been met.

(8)

The figures in this row represent time vesting restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2013-2015 performance measurement period. The shares vest 1/3 each year on March 15, 2014, 2015 and 2016, provided the employee is still in the employ of the Company.

(9)

The figures in this row represent SARs that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2013-2015 performance measurement period. The SARs vest 1/3 each year on March 15, 2014, 2015, and 2016, provided the employee is still in the employ of the Company.

(10)

The figures in this row represent performance vesting restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2014-2016 performance measurement period. The shares vest on March 15, 2017 if the performance measures have been met.

(11)

The figures in this row represent time vesting restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2014-2016 performance measurement period. The shares vest 1/3 each year on March 15, 2015, 2016 and 2017, provided the employee is still in the employ of the Company.

(12)

The figures in this row represent SARs that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2014-2016 performance measurement period. The SARs vest 1/3 each year on March 15, 2015, 2016, and 2017, provided the employee is still in the employ of the Company.

(13)

The figures in this row represent time vesting restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2012-2014 performance measurement period. The shares vested 1/3 each year on March 15, 2013, 2014 and 2015.

(14)

The figures in this row represent SARs that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2007-2009 performance measurement period. The SARs vested 1/3 each year on January 2, 2008, 2009, and 2010.

 

34    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


(3)  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

The figures in this row represent Stock Appreciation Rights that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2008-2010 performance measurement period.

(4)

The figures in this row represent restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2009-2011 performance measurement period.

(5)

The figures in this row represent Stock Appreciation Rights that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2009-2011 performance measurement period.

(6)

The figures in this row represent restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2010-2012 performance measurement period.

(7)

The figures in this row represent Stock Appreciation Rights that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2010-2012 performance measurement period.

(8)

The figures in this row represent restricted shares that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2011-2013 performance measurement period.

(9)

The figures in this row represent Stock Appreciation Rights that were issued to the named executive officer in connection with the long-term incentive award for the 2011-2013 performance measurement period.

(10)

The figures in this row represent restricted shares granted to the named executive officer as matching contributions by the Company under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan.

 

39Option Exercises and Stock Vested


OPTION EXERCISES AND STOCK VESTED

The following table provides information for the named executive officers on (1) stock optionSAR exercises during 2011,2014, including the number of shares acquired upon exercise and the value realized; and (2) the number of shares acquired upon vesting of matching contributions under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, and the value realized upon the vesting of such shares.

 

   Options Awards   Stock Awards 

(a)

  (b)   (c)   (d)   (e) 

Name

  Number of Shares
Acquired On Exercise

(#)
   Value Realized
on Exercise ($)
   Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting

(#)
   Value Realized
on Vesting

($)
 

Charles E. Sykes

        

EDC Matching Contr.(1)

             606     11,981  

2008 LTI RS(2)

             55,960     1,024,628  

W. Michael Kipphut

        

EDC Matching Contr.(1)

             606     11,985  

2008 LTI RS(2)

             24,745     453,081  

James C. Hobby

        

EDC Matching Contr.(1)

             2,136     35,112  

2008 LTI RS(2)

             17,068     312,515  

Lawrence R. Zingale

        

EDC Matching Contr.(1)

             1,176     18,914  

2008 LTI RS(2)

             17,068     312,515  

James T. Holder

        

EDC Matching Contr.(1)

             606     11,981  

2008 LTI RS(2)

             8,245     150,966  

   Options Awards   Stock Awards 

(a)

  (b)   (c)   (d)   (e) 
Name  

Number of Shares
Acquired On Exercise

(#)

   Value Realized
on Exercise ($)
   

Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting

(#)

   

Value Realized
on Vesting

($)

 

Charles E. Sykes

        

EDC Matching Contr.(1)

             603     11,982  

2013 LTIP Restricted (Service) Shares – 1st Tranche

             10,929     217,050  

John Chapman

        

EDC Matching Contr.(1)

             152     3,260  

2011 LTIP Restricted (Service) Shares – 3rd Tranche

             319     6,447  

2012 LTIP Restricted (Service) Shares – 2nd Tranche

             588     12,013  

2013 LTIP Restricted (Service) Shares – 1st Tranche

             558     11,082  

Lawrence R. Zingale

        

EDC Matching Contr.(1)

             585     11,962  

2013 LTIP Restricted (Service) Shares – 1st Tranche

             3,497     69,450  

2012 SARS

   9,572     50,721            

James T. Holder

        

EDC Matching Contr.(1)

             572     11,989  

2013 LTIP Restricted (Service) Shares – 1st Tranche

             1,339     26,593  

2011 SARS

   3,290     6,641            

2012 SARS

   3,991     20,543            

2013 SARS

   5,038     25,735            

David L. Pearson

        

EDC Matching Contr.(1)

             575     11,969  

2013 LTIP Restricted (Service) Shares – 1st Tranche

             1,272     25,262  

2006 SARS

   5,907     57,638            

W. Michael Kipphut

        

EDC Matching Contr.(1)

             513     10,372  

2013 LTIP Restricted (Service) Shares – 1st Tranche

             3,709     73,661  

2011 SARS

   9,115     18,393            

2012 SARS

   11,056     58,577            

2013 SARS

   13,957     73,821            

Christopher M. Carrington

        

EDC Matching Contr.(1)

                    

2013 LTIP Restricted (Service) Shares – 1st Tranche

             3,716     73,800  

2013 SARS

   13,980     78,413            
(1) 

Reflects the Company’s matching contributions in the form of shares of its common stock held for the account of the named executive officer in the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan which vested during fiscal year ended December 31, 2011.

(2)2014.

Reflects the number of restricted shares vested (column (d)) and value at the time of vesting (column (e)) from the grant of a long term incentive award to the named executive officer relating to the 2008 – 2010 performance period.

PENSION BENEFITSPension Benefits

The Company does not maintain any pension plans for the benefit of its executive officers.

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement35


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

 

40Nonqualified Deferred Compensation


NONQUALIFIED DEFERRED COMPENSATION

Pursuant to the Company’s Executive Deferred Compensation Plan, (the “EDC Plan”), certain executives, including the named executive officers, may defer all or any portion of their base salary, and all or any portion of their performance-based,performance based non-equity incentive compensation. Deferral elections are made on or before December 31st of each year for amounts to be deferred from income earned with respect to the following year. The table below shows the investment options available under the Deferred Compensation Plan and their annual rate of return for the calendar year ended December 31, 2011,2014, as reported by the Compensation Committee of the Plan.

 

Name of Fund

  Rate
of Return
 

Name of Fund

  Rate
of Return
  Rate
of Return
     Name of Fund Rate
of Return
 

Vanguard Prime Money Market Investor Fund

   00.04 Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value A Fund   (06.61)%   .01%      Goldman Sachs Mid Cap Value A Fund  13.25%  

Prudential Total Return Bond A Fund

   07.57 Principal MidCap S&P 40-0 Index R3 Fund   (02.40)%   6.80%      Principal MidCap S&P 40-0 Index R3 Fund  8.94%  

PIMCO Real Return A Fund

   11.11 Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value A Fund   00.42  3.01%      Goldman Sachs Small Cap Value A Fund  6.86%  

Janus Balanced S Fund

   01.07 Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index R3 Fund   00.12  8.01%      Principal SmallCap S&P 600 Index R3 Fund  4.96%  

John Hancock Disciplined Value A Fund

   00.00 MFS New Discovery R3 Fund   (10.42)%   10.80%      MFS New Discovery R3 Fund  -7.52%  

Principal LargeCap S&P 500 Index R3 Fund

   01.34 Manning & Napier World Opp. A Fund   (16.14)%   12.82%      Manning & Napier World Opp. A Fund  -9.77%  

MainStay Large Cap Growth R2 Fund

   (00.62)%      10.21%       

Distributions of the participants’ deferred compensation and any vested Company stock matching contributions are made as soon as administratively feasible six months after retirement or termination of employment, unless the participant dies or becomes disabled while still an employee, in which case both distributions are made as soon as administratively feasible.

In the event the participant terminates employment (for reasons other than death, disability or retirement) without participating in the plan for three years, the matching contributions and earnings attributable thereto are forfeited. In the event that a participant terminates employment after three years but less than five years of participation in the Plan, the participant forfeits 67% of the matching contribution and earnings. In the event a participant terminates

employment after five years but less than seven years of participation in the Plan, the participant forfeits 33% of the matching contribution and earnings.

In the event of a distribution of benefits as a result of a change in control, the Company will increase the benefits for the Senior Vice Presidents, Executive Vice Presidents and the President by an amount sufficient to offset the income tax obligations created by the distribution of benefits.

Participants forfeit undistributed matching contributions if the participant is terminated for “cause” as defined in the Plan or the participant enters into a business or employment which the Company’s CEO determines to be in violation of any non-compete agreement between the participant and the Company.

 

41


The following table shows information regarding contributions by the named executive officers, the Company’s matching contributions, aggregate earnings on contributions during fiscal year 2011,2014, and the aggregate balance at year end. There were no distributions from the plan to named executive officers during fiscal year 2011.

 

(a)

  (b)   (c)   (d) (e)   (f)     (b)     (c)     (d)   (e)     (f) 

Name

  Executive
Contributions
in Last

Fiscal  Year(1)
($)
   Company
Contribution
in Last
Fiscal Year(2)

($)
   Aggregate
Earnings
in Last
Fiscal Year

($)
 Aggregate
Withdrawals/

Distributions
($)
   Aggregate
Balance at
Last Fiscal
Year End(3)

($)
     

Executive
Contributions
in Last

Fiscal Year(1)

($)

     

Company
Contribution
in Last
Fiscal Year(2)

($)

     

Aggregate
Earnings
in Last
Fiscal Year

($)

   

Aggregate
Withdrawals/

Distributions

($)

     

Aggregate
Balance at
Last Fiscal
Year  End(3)

($)

 

Charles E. Sykes

   24,000     11,981     (24,780       232,997       51,250       11,982       31,075            549,312  

W. Michael Kipphut

   34,793     11,985     (40,014       421,641  

James C. Hobby

   133,036     11,981     (51,099       740,898  

John Chapman

     6,600       3,260       262            10,122  

Lawrence R. Zingale

   28,216     11,978     (14,220       154,901       32,517       11,962       22,410            400,137  

James T. Holder

   47,528     11,981     (28,760       231,558       25,299       11,989       27,388            492,336  

David L. Pearson

     26,909       11,969       39,876            684,838  

W. Michael Kipphut(4)

     20,806       10,372       (5,075   641,912         

Christopher M. Carrington(5)

                   ��              

 

(1) 

The amounts shown are included in the amounts of “salary” in column (c) of the Summary Compensation Table.

(2) 

The amounts shown are included in the amounts of “Other Compensation” in column (i) of the Summary Compensation Table.

(3) 

The amounts shown include 100% of the aggregate executive and Company contributions which have all been reported in the Summary Compensation Table.

(4)

Mr. Kipphut received a full distribution pursuant to the terms of the Plan subsequent to retirement.

(5)

Mr. Carrington did not participate in the Plan.

EQUITY COMPENSATION PLAN INFORMATION36    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

Equity Compensation Plan Information

The following table summarizes the equity compensation plans under which the equity securities of Sykes may be issued as of December 31, 2011:2014:

 

  (a) (b) (c)   (a) (b)   (c) 
  Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Options, Warrants
and Rights
 Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
 Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected in
Column (a))
   Number of
Securities to be
Issued Upon
Exercise of
Options, Warrants
and Rights
 Weighted Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
   Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected in
Column (a))
 

Equity compensation plans approved by shareholders(1)

   11,871    5.89(2)   4,157,072     220,336         3,604,622  

Equity compensation plans not approved by shareholders

   92,258(3)       N/A(3)    98,073(2)        N/A(2) 

Totals

   104,129        4,157,072     318,409         3,604,622  

 

(1)

Includes shares of common stock of Sykes authorized for awards under the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan and the 2011 Equity Incentive Plan. Also includes shares of common stock of Sykes reserved for issuance under the 2004 Non-Employee Director Fee Plan.

(2)

Represents the weighted average exercise price of stock options only.

42


(3)

Represents shares of common stock of Sykes issued as matching grants under the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan for executives described on page 29 above.below. There is no specific number of shares reserved for issuance under the Executive Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Plan.

Shares awarded under all of the above plans may be from Sykes’ authorized and unissued shares, treasury shares or shares acquired in the open market. For a summary of the terms of Sykes’ equity compensation plans, see Note 26 of

our consolidated financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20112014 filed on February 19, 2015 and incorporated herein by reference.

POTENTIAL PAYMENTS UPON TERMINATION OR CHANGE OF CONTROLPotential Payments upon Termination or Change of Control

The tables below reflect the amount of compensation to each of the named executive officers of the Company who were employed by the Company at the end of 2014 in the event of a termination of such executive’s employment. The amount of compensation payable to each named executive officer upon voluntary termination, involuntary not-for-cause termination, termination following a change of control and in the event of a disability or death of the executive is shown below. The amounts shown assume that such termination was effective as of December 31, 2011,2014, and thus includes amounts earned through such time and are estimates of the amounts which would be paid out to the executives upon their termination. The actual amounts to be paid out can only be determined at the time of such executive’s separation from the Company.

Payments Made Upon Termination

Regardless of the manner in which a named executive officer’s employment terminates, he is entitled to receive amounts earned during his term of employment. Depending upon the date of a termination, such amounts may include:

 

non-equity incentive compensation earned during the fiscal year;

 

shares which have vested and for which the restrictions have lapsed under Long-Term Incentive compensation awards;

shares to be issued as a result of the vesting of SARs under Long-Term Incentive compensation awards;

 

amounts contributed to the Executive Deferred Compensation Plan; and

 

unused vacation pay.

Payments Made Upon Termination by the Company Without Cause, or by the Executive with Good Reason

In the event the employment of Mr.any of Messrs. Sykes, Chapman or Mr. KipphutZingale is terminated by the Company prior to the expiration of any renewal period for any reason other than death, disability, or cause (as defined in their respective employment agreements), or if such officer terminates his employment agreement prior to the expiration of the renewal period for good reason (as defined in their respective employment agreements, other than a termination by the officer in connection with a change of control (as defined in his employment agreement)), the officer will be entitled to the following payments:

 

Mr. Sykes will be entitled to receive an amount equal to two times his annual base salary.

 

43


Mr. KipphutMessrs. Chapman and Zingale will be entitled to receive an amount equal to his annual base salary, plus an amount equal to the maximum annual performance bonus he could earn under the performance-basedperformance based bonus plan in which Mr. Kipphuthe is then participating.

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement37


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

In the event that such officer terminates his employment agreement in connection with a change of control, such officer will be entitled to receive the benefits listed under the heading “Payments Made Upon a Change of Control” below.

In the event of the termination by the Company of the employment of any named executive officer other than Mr. SykesHolder or Mr. KipphutPearson for any reason other than death, disability or cause, theyhe will be entitled to receive an amount equal to theirhis annual base salary.

Except as provided below, the foregoing amounts are to be paid biweekly in equal installments over 52 weeks, commencing immediately upon such officer’s separation from service. If such officer is determined to be a “specified employee” on the date of his “separation from service” (each as defined in Section 409(A) of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations), to the extent that he is entitled to receive any benefit or payment upon such separation from service under the employment agreement that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code before the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service, such benefits or payments will not be provided or paid to him on the date otherwise required to be provided or paid. Instead, all such amounts shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on the first business day after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service (or, if earlier, within fifteen (15)15 days following his date of death). All remaining payments and benefits otherwise required to be paid or provided on or after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service will be paid or provided or paid in accordance with the payment schedule described above.

Payments Made Upon Death or Disability

In the event of the death or disability of a named executive officer, in addition to the benefits listed under the heading “Payments Made Upon Termination” above, the named executive officer will receive benefits under the Company’s disability plan or payments under the Company’s life insurance plan, as appropriate. The Company pays for life insurance and accidental death and dismemberment coverage for its executive team in amounts equal to twice the executive’s base salary, up to a maximum of $500,000. The Company also pays for short term disability for its executives with a benefit of 70% of base salary, up to a maximum of $2,500 per week, and long term disability utilizing multiple plans. The base long term disability plan provides for a benefit to the executives of 70% of base salary, up to a maximum of $15,000 per month. The base long term disability plan is supplemented with two individual policy plans designed to provide the executives with long term disability insurance approximating 75% of covered compensation.

Payments Made Upon a Change of Control

The Company has entered into employment agreements with Mr.Messrs. Sykes, Chapman and Mr. KipphutZingale which contain change of control payment provisions. Pursuant to these provisions, if Mr.any of Messrs. Sykes, Chapman or Mr. KipphutZingale terminates their his

employment in connection with a change of control (as defined in their employment agreement), instead of the benefits listed under the heading “Payments Made Upon Termination,” theyhe will receive the following benefits:

Mr. Sykes.Sykes. Mr. Sykes will be entitled to receive an amount equal to three times his then current annual base salary, plus an amount determined by multiplying the annual target bonus designated or otherwise indicated for Mr. Sykes in the year such change of control occurs by a factor of three. The target bonus amount is to be

44


determined under the performance-based bonus plan in which Mr. Sykes is then participating. In addition, all stock options, stock grants or other similar equity incentives and/or compensation programs will immediately accelerate and become fully vested and exercisable at the option of Mr. Sykes.

Mr. Kipphut.    Mr. KipphutMessrs. Chapman and Zingale. Each of Messrs. Chapman and Zingale will be entitled to receive an amount equal to two times his then current annual base salary, plus an amount determined by multiplying the annual targetmaximum bonus designated or otherwise indicated for Mr. Kipphuthim in the year such change of control occurs by a factor of two. The targetmaximum bonus amount is to be determined under the performance-based bonus plan in which Mr. Kipphuthe is then participating. In addition, all stock options, stock grants or other similar equity incentives and/or compensation programs will immediately accelerate and become fully vested and exercisable at the option of Mr. Kipphut.his option.

Except as provided below, the foregoing amounts are to be paid biweekly in equal installments over 52 weeks, commencing immediately upon such officer’s separation from service. If such officer is determined to be a “specified employee” on the date of his “separation from service” (each as defined in Section 409(A) of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations), to the extent that he is entitled to receive any benefit or payment upon such separation from service under the employment agreement that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code before the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service, such benefits or payments will not be provided or paid to him on the date otherwise required to be provided or paid. Instead, all such amounts shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on the first business day after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service (or, if earlier, within fifteen (15)15 days following his date of death). All remaining payments and benefits otherwise required to be paid or provided on or after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service will be paid or provided or paid in accordance with the payment schedule described above.

The named executive officers of the Company, other thanMessrs. Holder and Pearson. Mr. SykesHolder and Mr. Kipphut,Pearson do not have change of control provisions in their respective employment agreements, but under various equity incentive agreements, all stock options, stock grants or other similar equity incentives and/or compensation programs will immediately accelerate and become fully vested and exercisable at thetheir option of the executive in the event of a change in control.

38    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

 

45


Charles E. Sykes

The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for Charles E. Sykes, the Company’s President and CEO, as if such termination had occurred on December 31, 2011:2014:

 

  Company Initiated   Executive Initiated   Company Initiated   Executive Initiated 

Type of Benefit

  Before
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)
   After
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)
   Voluntary
Termination
($)
  Voluntary
Termination
for “Good
Reason”

($)
   Change in
Control

($)
   

Before
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)

   

After
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)

   Voluntary
Termination
($)
   

Voluntary
Termination
for “Good
Reason”

($)

   

Change

in

Control

($)

 

Severance Pay

   1,250,000     1,875,000       1,250,000     1,875,000     1,290,000     1,935,000          1,290,000     1,935,000  

Bonus Payment

        1,875,000            1,875,000          2,128,500               2,128,500  

Stock Options Vesting Acceleration

        3,029,719               3,029,719  

Stock Grants Vesting Acceleration

        3,767,483            3,767,483          10,815,234               10,815,234  

Stock Option Vesting Acceleration

                      

Deferred Compensation Vesting Acceleration

                      

Payment for Taxes Resulting from Deferred Compensation Distribution

        83,790            83,790          206,795               206,795  

Total

   1,250,000     7,601,273       1,250,000     7,601,273     1,290,000     18,115,248          1,290,000     18,115,248  

W. Michael KipphutJohn Chapman

The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for W. Michael Kipphut,John Chapman, the Company’s Executive Vice President and CFO,Chief Financial Officer, as if such termination had occurred on December 31, 2011:2014:

 

   Company Initiated   Executive Initiated 

Type of Benefit

  Before
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)
   After
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)
   Voluntary
Termination
($)
  Voluntary
Termination
for “Good
Reason”

($)
   Change in
Control

($)
 

Severance Pay

   415,978     831,956       415,978     831,956  

Bonus Payment

   436,777     582,369       436,777     582,369  

Stock Grants Vesting Acceleration

        1,301,080            1,301,080  

Stock Option Vesting Acceleration

                      

Deferred Compensation Vesting Acceleration

                      

Payment for Taxes Resulting from Deferred Compensation Distribution

        151,360            151,360  

Total

   852,755     2,867,035       852,755     2,867,035  

46


James C. Hobby

The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for James C. Hobby, the Company’s Executive Vice President – Global Operations, as if such termination had occurred on December 31, 2011:

  Company Initiated   Executive Initiated   Company Initiated   Executive Initiated 

Type of Benefit

  Before
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)
   After
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)
   Voluntary
Termination
($)
   Voluntary
Termination
for “Good
Reason”

($)
   Change in
Control

($)
   

Before
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)

   

After
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)

   Voluntary
Termination
($)
   

Voluntary
Termination
for “Good
Reason”

($)

   

Change

in

Control

($)

 

Severance Pay

   369,973     369,973                    330,000     660,000               660,000  

Bonus Payment

                            209,221     418,443               418,443  

Stock Options Vesting Acceleration

        50,836               50,836  

Stock Grants Vesting Acceleration

        1,116,027               1,116,027          777,960               777,960  

Stock Option Vesting Acceleration

                         

Deferred Compensation Vesting Acceleration

                         

Payment for Taxes Resulting from Deferred Compensation Distribution

        266,441               266,441          3,810               3,810  

Total

   369,973     1,752,441               1,382,468     539,221     1,911,049               1,911,049  

Lawrence R. Zingale

The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for Lawrence R. Zingale, the Company’s Executive Vice President – Global Sales and Client Management,General Manager, Major Markets, as if such termination had occurred on December 31, 2011:2014:

 

  Company Initiated   Executive Initiated   Company Initiated   Executive Initiated 

Type of Benefit

  Before
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)
   After
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)
   Voluntary
Termination
($)
   Voluntary
Termination
for “Good
Reason”

($)
   Change in
Control

($)
   

Before
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)

   

After
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)

   Voluntary
Termination
($)
   

Voluntary
Termination
for “Good
Reason”

($)

   

Change
in
Control

($)

 

Severance Pay

   360,132     360,132                    412,000     824,000          412,000     824,000  

Bonus Payment

                            432,600     865,200          432,600     865,200  

Stock Options Vesting Acceleration

        717,713               717,713  

Stock Grants Vesting Acceleration

        1,077,032               1,077,032          3,328,562               3,328,562  

Stock Option Vesting Acceleration

                         

Deferred Compensation Vesting Acceleration

        14,407               14,407  

Payment for Taxes Resulting from Deferred Compensation Distribution

        55,704               55,704          150,637               150,637  

Total

   360,132     1,507,276               1,147,144     844,600     5,886,112          844,600     5,886,112  

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement39


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

 

47


James T. Holder

The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for James T. Holder, the Company’s Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, as if such termination had occurred on December 31, 2011:2014:

 

  Company Initiated   Executive Initiated   Company Initiated   Executive Initiated 

Type of Benefit

  Before
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)
   After
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)
   Voluntary
Termination
($)
   Voluntary
Termination
for “Good
Reason”

($)
   Change
in
Control

($)
   

Before
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)

   

After
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)

   Voluntary
Termination
($)
   

Voluntary
Termination
for “Good
Reason”

($)

   

Change in
Control

($)

 

Severance Pay

   300,340     300,340                    324,728     324,728                 

Bonus Payment

                         

Stock Options Vesting Acceleration

        162,929               162,929  

Stock Grants Vesting Acceleration

        450,633               450,633          1,301,693               1,301,693  

Stock Option Vesting Acceleration

                         

Deferred Compensation Vesting Acceleration

                         

Payment for Taxes Resulting from Deferred Compensation Distribution

        83,273               83,273          185,346               185,346  

Total

   300,340     834,246               533,906     324,728     1,974,696               1,649,968  

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENTSDavid L. Pearson

The following table shows the potential payments upon termination or a change of control of the Company for David L. Pearson, the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer, as if such termination had occurred on December 31, 2014:

   Company Initiated   Executive Initiated 
Type of Benefit  

Before
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)

   

After
Change in
Control
Termination
w/o Cause
or for Good
Reason

($)

   Voluntary
Termination
($)
   

Voluntary
Termination
for “Good
Reason”

($)

   

Change in
Control

($)

 

Severance Pay

   305,700     305,700                 

Stock Options Vesting Acceleration

        399,600               399,600  

Stock Grants Vesting Acceleration

        1,237,127               1,237,127  

Payment for Taxes Resulting from Deferred Compensation Distribution

        257,816               257,816  

Total

   305,700     2,200,243               1,894,543  

Employment Agreements

Charles E. Sykes. The Company and Mr. Sykes are parties to an amended and restated employment agreement, dated December 30, 2008. The material terms and conditions of the agreement are summarized below. Under the agreement, Mr. Sykes serves as President and CEO of the Company. The initial term of the agreement expired on July 31, 2009, but automatically renewed, and will continue to be automatically renewed, for successive one-year terms unless one of the parties provides written notice of its intent not to renew the agreement at least 180 days prior to the expiration of any renewal term. Under the agreement, Mr. Sykes’ annual base salary was originally set at $550,000, subject to increase at the Company’s discretion. Most recently, on March 7, 2011 May 20, 2014,

the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee of the Board increased Mr. Sykes’ annual base salary to $625,000.$645,000. Mr. Sykes also is entitled to participate in a performance-basedperformance based bonus plan based upon the achievement of such goals as may be determined by the Compensation Committee, and to participate in such other bonus programs and benefit plans as are generally made available to other executive officers of the Company.

If the agreement is terminated by the Company prior to the expiration of a renewal period for any reason other than death, disability, or cause (as defined in the agreement), or if the agreement is terminated by Mr. Sykes prior to the expiration of the renewal period for good reason (as defined below), the

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  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

Company is required to pay Mr. Sykes an amount equal to two times his annual base salary, and Mr. Sykes is prohibited for a period of two years from soliciting the Company’s employees and competing with the Company in any area in which the Company’s clients were conducting business during the initial term or any renewal term of the agreement. If the agreement is terminated by Mr. Sykes following a change of control of the Company (as defined in the agreement) prior to the expiration of the initial term or any renewal period, the Company is required to pay

48


Mr. Sykes an amount equal to three times his annual base salary, plus an amount determined by multiplying the annual target bonus designated or otherwise indicated for Mr. Sykes in the year such change of control occurs by a factor of three. The target bonus amount is to be determined under the performance-basedperformance based bonus plan in which Mr. Sykes is then participating. Except as provided below, the foregoing amounts are to be paid biweekly in equal installments over 52 weeks, commencing immediately upon his separation from service. If Mr. Sykes is determined to be a “specified employee” on the date of his “separation from service” (each as defined in Section 409(A) of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations), to the extent that he is entitled to receive any benefit or payment upon such separation from service under the employment agreement that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code before the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service, such benefits or payments will not be provided or paid to him on the date otherwise required to be provided or paid. Instead, all such amounts shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on the first business day after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service (or, if earlier, within fifteen (15)15 days following his date of death). All remaining payments and benefits otherwise required to be paid or provided on or after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service will be paid or provided or paid in accordance with the payment schedule described above.

Also, in the event the agreement is terminated by Mr. Sykes in connection with a change of control of the Company, all stock options, stock grants or other similar equity incentives and/or compensation programs will immediately accelerate and become fully vested and exercisable at the option of Mr. Sykes.

“Good reason” for Mr. Sykes’ termination of the agreement is defined in the agreement as: (i) a change of control of the Company (as defined in the agreement), (ii) a good faith determination by Mr. Sykes that the Company has breached the employment agreement, (iii) a material adverse change in working conditions or status, (iv) the deletion of, or change in, any of the titles of CEO or President, (v) a significant relocation of Mr. Sykes’ principal office, (vi) a significant increase in travel requirements, or (vii) an impairment of Mr. Sykes’ health to an extent that made the continued performance of his duties under the agreement hazardous to his physical or mental health or his life.

The agreement provides that if Mr. Sykes’ employment is terminated by the Company due to his death, disability or for cause, or voluntarily by Mr. Sykes other than for good reason, then the Company will have no obligation to pay him any salary, bonus or other benefits other than those payable through the date of termination, and Mr. Sykes may not solicit any of the Company’s employees or compete directly or indirectly with the Company during the term of the agreement and for a period of one year after its termination, regardless of the reason for its termination.

The agreement provides that Mr. Sykes may not solicit any of the Company’s employees or compete directly or indirectly with the Company during the term of the agreement and for one year after its expiration in any area in which the Company’s clients were conducting business during the initial term or any renewal term of the agreement. The agreement contains customary confidentiality provisions.

W. Michael Kipphut.John Chapman. The Company and Mr. KipphutChapman are parties to an amended and restated employment agreement, dated December 30, 2008,April 15, 2014, the material terms and conditions of which are summarized below.

The employment agreement provides that Mr. KipphutChapman will serve as an executive of the Company. Mr. Kipphut serves as Executive Vice President — Finance and CFO.Sykes. The initial term of the agreement expired on March 5, 2009, but was automatically renewed, and will continue to be automatically renewed, for successive one-year terms unlessuntil terminated by one of the parties provides the other with written notice of its intent not to renew the agreement at least 30 days prior to the expiration of a renewal term.parties. Under the agreement, Mr. Kipphut’sChapman’s annual base salary was originally set at $400,000, subjectis to increase at the Company’s discretion.be not less than $330,000.00, and he is entitled to (i) participate in a performance-based bonus program ranging from 0% to 50% of his base salary, (ii) annual grants under Sykes’s long-term incentive plan with a target award of 100% of base salary, and (iii) standard fringe benefits provided to other executive officers. Most recently, on December 7, 2011, and effective on February 29, 2012,10, 2014, upon the recommendation of the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee, the Board of Directors increased Mr. Kipphut’sChapman’s annual base salary to $424,298. Mr. Kipphut also is entitled to participate in a performance-based bonus plan based upon the achievement of such

49


goals as may be determined by the Compensation Committee, and to participate in such other bonus programs and benefit plans as are generally made available to other executive officers of the Company.$365,000.

If the agreement is terminated by the Company prior to the expiration of a renewal periodSykes for any reason other than death, disability, or cause (as defined in the agreement), or if the agreement is terminated by Mr. Kipphut prior to the expiration of the renewal periodChapman for good reason (as defined below), the CompanySykes is required to pay Mr. KipphutChapman an amount equal to his annual base salary, plus an amount equal to the maximum annual performance bonus he could earn under the performance-based bonus plan in which Mr. KipphutChapman is then participating. If the agreement is terminated by Mr. Kipphut followingChapman within 24 months after a change in control of the CompanySykes (as defined in the agreement) prior to the expiration of the renewal period, the Company, Sykes is required to pay Mr. KipphutChapman an amount equal to twice his annual base salary, plus an amount determined by multiplying the annual targetmaximum bonus designated or otherwise indicated for Mr. KipphutChapman in the year such change of control occurs by a factor of two. The target bonus amount is to be determined under the performance-based bonus plan in which Mr. KipphutChapman is then participating. Except as provided below, the foregoing amounts are to be paid biweekly in equal installments over 52 weeks (or 104 weeks if a change in control was involved), commencing immediately upon his

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement41


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

separation from service. If Mr. KipphutChapman is determined to be a “specified employee” on the date of his “separation from service” (each as defined in Section 409(A) of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations), to the extent that he is entitled to receive any benefit or payment upon such separation from service under the employment agreement that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code before the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service, such benefits or payments will not be provided or paid to him on the date otherwise required to be provided or paid. Instead, all such amounts shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on the first business day after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service (or, if earlier, within fifteen (15)15 days following his date of death). All remaining payments and benefits otherwise required to be paid or provided on or after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service will be paid or provided or paid in accordance with the payment schedule described above.

Also, in the event the agreement is terminated by Mr. KipphutChapman for Good Cause in connection with a change of control of the Company,Sykes, all stock options, stock grants or other similar equity incentives and/or compensation programs will immediately accelerate and become fully vested and exercisable at the option of Mr. Kipphut.Chapman.

“Good reason” for Mr. Kipphut’sChapman’s termination of the agreement is defined in the agreement as: (i) a changeSykes’s breach of control of the Company (as defined in the agreement), (ii) a good faith determination by Mr. Kipphut that the Company has breached the employment agreement, (iii)(ii) a material adverse change in working conditions, duties or status, (iv) the deletion of, or change in, any of the titles of Senior Vice President and CFO, (v)(iii) a significant geographic relocation of Mr. Kipphut’sChapman’s principal office, (vi)or (iv) a change in reporting such that Mr. KipphutChapman is required to report to someone other than the CEO, or (vii) a significant increase in travel requirements.CEO.

The agreement provides that if Mr. Kipphut’sChapman’s employment is terminated by the CompanySykes due to his death, disability or for cause, or voluntarily by Mr. KipphutChapman other than for good reason, then the CompanySykes will have no obligation to pay him any salary, bonus or other benefits other than those payable through the date of termination.

The agreement provides that Mr. KipphutChapman may not solicit any of the Company’sSykes’s employees or compete directly or indirectly with the CompanySykes during the term of the agreement and for one year after its expiration in any area in which the Company’sSykes’s clients were conducting business during the initial term or any renewal term of the agreement. The agreement contains customary confidentiality provisions.

50


James Hobby.    Lawrence R. Zingale.The Company and Mr. HobbyZingale are parties to an amended and restated employment agreement, dated December 29, 2008,September 13, 2012, the material terms and conditions of which are summarized below. The employment agreement replaced the Amended and Restated Employment Agreement between the Company and Mr. Zingale, dated as of December 29, 2008.

The employment agreement provides that Mr. HobbyZingale will serve as an executive of the Company. Mr. HobbyZingale currently serves as Executive Vice President Global Operations.and General Manager of Major Markets. The agreement will continue until terminated by one of the parties. Under the agreement, Mr. Hobby’sZingale’s annual base salary was originally set at $366,000, subjectis to increase atbe not less than $400,000, and he is entitled to (i) participate in a performance-based bonus program ranging from 0% to 70% of his base salary, (ii) annual grants under the Company’s discretion.long-term incentive plan with a target award of 140% of base salary, and (iii) standard fringe benefits provided to other executive officers. Most recently, on December 7, 2011, and effective on February 29, 2012,May 21, 2014, upon the recommendation of the Compensation and Human Resources Development Committee, the Board of Directors increased Mr. Hobby’sZingale’s annual base salary to $377,372. He also is entitled to participate in a performance-based bonus plan based upon the achievement of such goals as may be determined by the Compensation Committee and to standard executive fringe benefits.$412,000.

If the agreement is terminated by the Company for any reason other than death, disability, or cause (as defined in the agreement), or if the agreement is terminated by Mr. Zingale for good reason (as defined below), the Company is required to pay Mr. HobbyZingale an amount equal to his weekly base salary for 52 weeks after the termination of the agreement. Except as provided below, the foregoing amount is to be paid biweekly in equal installments over 52 weeks, commencing immediately upon his separation from service. If Mr. Hobby is determined to be a “specified employee” on the date of his “separation from service” (each as defined in Section 409(A) of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations), to the extent that he is entitled to receive any benefit or payment upon such separation from service under the employment agreement that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code before the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service, such benefits or payments will not be provided or paid to him on the date otherwise required to be provided or paid. Instead, all such amounts shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on the first business day after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service (or, if earlier, within fifteen (15) days following his date of death). All remaining payments and benefits otherwise required to be paid or provided on or after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service will be paid or provided or paid in accordance with the payment schedule described above. If Mr. Hobby’s employment is terminated by the Company due to his death, disability or cause, or voluntarily by Mr. Hobby, then the Company will have no obligation to pay him any salary, bonus or other benefits other than those payable through the date of termination. In any event, Mr. Hobby may not compete with the Company in any area in which the Company’s clients were conducting business during the term of the agreement, or solicit the Company’s employees, for a period of one year after termination of his employment. The agreement also contains customary confidentiality provisions.

Lawrence R. Zingale.    The Company and Mr. Zingale are parties to an amended and restated employment agreement, dated December 29, 2008, the material terms and conditions of which are summarized below. The employment agreement provides that Mr. Zingale will serve as an executive of the Company. Mr. Zingale serves as Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Client Management. The agreement will continue until terminated by one of the parties. Under the agreement, Mr. Zingale’s annual base salary, was originally set at $322,000, subjectplus an amount equal to increase at the Company’s discretion. Most recently, on December 7, 2011, and effective on February 29, 2012, uponmaximum annual performance bonus he could earn under the recommendation of the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee, the Board of Directors increased Mr. Zingale’s annual base salary to $367,335. He also is entitled to participate in a performance-based bonus plan based upon the achievement of such goals as may be determined by the Compensation Committee and to standard executive fringe benefits.

in which Mr. Zingale is then participating. If the agreement is terminated by Mr. Zingale within 24 months after a change in control of the Company for any reason other than death, disability, or cause (as defined in the agreement), the Company is required to pay Mr. Zingale an amount equal to twice his weeklyannual base salary, plus an amount determined by multiplying the annual maximum bonus designated or otherwise indicated for 52 weeks afterMr. Zingale in the terminationyear such change of control occurs by a factor of two. The target bonus amount is to be determined under the agreement.performance-based bonus plan in which Mr. Zingale is then participating. Except as provided below, the foregoing amount isamounts are to be

51


paid biweekly in equal installments over 52 weeks (or 104 weeks if a change in control was involved), commencing immediately upon his separation from service. If Mr. Zingale is determined to be a “specified employee” on the date of his “separation from service” (each as defined in Section 409(A) of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations), to the extent that he is entitled to receive any benefit or payment upon such separation from service under the employment agreement that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code before the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service, such benefits or payments will not be provided or paid to him on the date otherwise required to be provided or paid. Instead, all such amounts shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on the first business day after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service (or, if earlier, within fifteen (15)15 days following his date of death). All remaining payments and benefits otherwise required to be paid or provided on or after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service will be paid or provided or paid in accordance with the payment schedule described above. If

42    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

Also, in the event the agreement is terminated by Mr. Zingale for Good Cause in connection with a change of control of the Company, all stock options, stock grants or other similar equity incentives and/or compensation programs will immediately accelerate and become fully vested and exercisable at the option of Mr. Zingale.

“Good reason” for Mr. Zingale’s termination of the agreement is defined in the agreement as: (i) the Company’s breach of the employment agreement, (ii) a material adverse change in working conditions, duties or status, (iii) a significant geographic relocation of Mr. Zingale’s principal office, or (iv) a change in reporting such that Mr. Zingale is required to report to someone other than the CEO.

The agreement provides that if Mr. Zingale’s employment is terminated by the Company due to his death, disability or for cause, or voluntarily by Mr. Zingale other than for good reason, then the Company will have no obligation to pay him any salary, bonus or other benefits other than those payable through the date of termination. In any event,

The agreement provides that Mr. Zingale may not solicit any of the Company’s employees or compete directly or indirectly with the Company during the term of the agreement and for one year after its expiration in any area in which the Company’s clients were conducting business during the initial term or any renewal term of the agreement, or solicit the Company’s employees, for a period of one year after termination of his employment.agreement. The agreement also contains customary confidentiality provisions.

James T. Holder. The Company and Mr. Holder are parties to an amended and restated employment agreement, dated December 29, 2008, the material terms and conditions of which are summarized below. The employment agreement provides that Mr. Holder will serve as an executive of the Company. Mr. Holder serves as Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary. The agreement will continue until terminated by one of the parties. Under the agreement, Mr. Holder’s annual base salary was originally set at $270,000, subject to increase at the Company’s discretion.

Most recently, on December 7, 2011, and effective on February 29, 2012,May 21, 2014, upon the recommendation of the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee, the Board of Directors increased Mr. Holder’s annual base salary to $306,347.$324,728. He also is entitled to participate in a performance-basedperformance based bonus plan based upon the achievement of such goals as may be determined by the Compensation Committee and to standard executive fringe benefits.

If the agreement is terminated by the Company prior to the expiration of the renewal period for any reason other than death, disability, or cause (as defined in the agreement), the Company is required to pay Mr. Holder an amount equal to his weekly base salary for 52 weeks after the termination of the agreement. Except as provided below, the foregoing amount is to be paid biweekly in equal installments over 52 weeks, commencing immediately upon his separation from service. If Mr. Holder is determined to be a “specified

employee” on the date of his “separation from service” (each as defined in Section 409(A) of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations), to the extent that he is entitled to receive any benefit or payment upon such separation from service under the employment agreement that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code before the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service, such benefits or payments will not be provided or paid to him on the date otherwise required to be provided or paid. Instead, all such amounts shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on the first business day after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service (or, if earlier, within 15 days following his date of death). All remaining payments and benefits otherwise required to be paid or provided on or after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service will be paid or provided or paid in accordance with the payment schedule described above.

The agreement also provides that if Mr. Holder’s employment is terminated by the Company due to his death, disability or cause, or voluntarily by Mr. Holder, then the Company will have no obligation to pay him any salary, bonus or other benefits other than those payable through the date of termination.

The agreement provides that Mr. Holder may not solicit any of the Company’s employees or compete directly or indirectly with the Company during the term of the agreement and for one year after its expiration in any area in which the Company’s clients were conducting business during the initial term or any renewal term of the agreement. The agreement contains customary confidentiality provisions.

David L. Pearson. The Company and Mr. Pearson are parties to an amended and restated employment agreement, dated December 29, 2008, the material terms and conditions of which are summarized below.

The employment agreement provides that Mr. Pearson will serve as an executive of the Company. Mr. Pearson serves as Executive Vice President and Chief Information Officer. The agreement will continue until terminated by one of the parties. Under the agreement, Mr. Pearson’s annual base salary was originally set at $231,000, subject to increase at the Company’s discretion. Most recently, on May 21, 2014, upon the recommendation of the Compensation Committee, the Board of Directors increased Mr. Pearson’s annual base salary to $305,700. He also is entitled to participate in a performance based bonus plan based upon the achievement of such goals as may be determined by the Compensation Committee and to standard executive fringe benefits.

If the agreement is terminated by the Company prior to the expiration of the renewal period for any reason other than death, disability, or cause (as defined in the agreement), the Company is required to pay Mr. Pearson an amount equal to his weekly base salary for 52 weeks after the termination of

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement43


  EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION  

the agreement. Except as provided below, the foregoing amount is to be paid biweekly in equal installments over 52 weeks, commencing immediately upon his separation from service. If Mr. Pearson is determined to be a “specified employee” on the date of his “separation from service” (each as defined in Section 409(A) of the Internal Revenue Code and applicable regulations), to the extent that he is entitled to receive any benefit or payment upon such separation from service under the employment agreement that constitutes deferred compensation within the meaning of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code before the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service, such benefits or payments will not be provided or paid to him on the date otherwise required to be provided or paid. Instead, all such amounts shall be accumulated and paid in a single lump sum on the first business day after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service (or, if earlier, within fifteen (15)

15 days following his date of death). All remaining payments and benefits otherwise required to be paid or provided on or after the date that is six months after the date of his separation from service will be paid or provided or paid in accordance with the payment schedule described above. The agreement also provides that if Mr. Holder’sPearson’s employment is terminated by the Company due to his death, disability or cause, or voluntarily by Mr. Holder,Pearson, then the Company will have no obligation to pay him any salary, bonus or other benefits other than those payable through the

52


date of termination. In any event, Mr. HolderPearson may not compete with the Company in any area in which the Company’s clients were conducting business during the term of the agreement, or solicit the Company’s employees, for a period of one year after termination of his employment. The agreement also contains customary confidentiality provisions.

PROPOSAL 2:44    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  PROPOSAL 2: ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

PROPOSAL 2: ADVISORY VOTE TO APPROVE EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

In accordance with Section 14A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”) we are providing our shareholders with the opportunity to vote to approve, on a nonbinding, advisory basis, the compensation of our named executive officers as disclosed in this proxy statement. Because the shareholder vote is advisory, it will not be binding upon the Board. However, the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee will take into account the outcome of the vote when considering future executive compensation arrangements.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARDRecommendation of the Board

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF THE COMPANY’S EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION. UNLESS OTHERWISE INDICATED ON YOUR PROXY, YOUR SHARES WILL BE VOTED “FOR” THE APPROVAL OF EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION.

PROPOSAL 3:

APPROVAL OF AMENDMENTS TO THE 2004 NON-EMPLOYEE DIRECTOR FEE PLAN

The non-employee directors of the Company are currently compensated with both cash and equity awards pursuant to the provisions of the Fourth Amended and Restated 2004 Non-Employee Directors Fee Plan (the “2004 Fee Plan”).

The purpose of the 2004 Fee Plan is to secure for the Company and its shareholders the benefits of the incentive inherent in increased ownership of common stock of the Company by members of the Board of Directors who are not employees by providing for the payment of a portion of each non-employee director’s compensation in common stock. It is believed that such ownership further aligns the interests of such non-employee directors with the shareholders of the Company, thereby promoting the long-term profits and growth of the Company, and encourages such non-employee directors to remain directors of the Company. It is also believed that the 2004 Fee Plan will encourage qualified persons to become directors of the Company.

The 2004 Fee Plan provides that all new non-employee directors joining the Board will receive an initial grant of shares of common stock on the date the new director is elected or appointed, the number of which will be determined by dividing $60,000 by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the date a new director is elected or appointed, rounded to the nearest whole number of shares. The initial grant of shares vests in twelve equal quarterly installments, one-twelfth on the date of grant and an additional one-twelfth on each successive third monthly anniversary of the date of grant. The award lapses with respect to all unvested shares in the event the non-employee director ceases to be a director of the Company, and any unvested shares are forfeited.

 

53SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement45


The 2004 Fee Plan also provides that each non-employee director will receive, on the day after the annual shareholders meeting, an annual retainer for service as a non-employee director (the “Annual Retainer”). The Annual Retainer consists of shares of the Company’s common stock and cash. Currently, the total value of the Annual Retainer is $95,000, payable $50,000 in cash (effective as of May 20, 2011) and the remainder paid in stock, the amount of which is determined by dividing $45,000 by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the annual meeting of shareholders, rounded to the nearest whole number of shares.

In addition to the Annual Retainer award, the 2004 Fee Plan also provides for any non-employee Chairman of the Board to receive an additional annual cash award of $100,000, and each non-employee director serving on a committee of the Board to receive an additional annual cash award in the following amounts:

Position

  Amount 

Audit Committee

  

Chairperson

  $20,000  

Member

  $10,000  

Compensation & Human Resource Development Committee

  

Chairperson

  $15,000  

Member

  $7,500  

Finance Committee

  

Chairperson

  $12,500  

Member

  $7,500  

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

  

Chairperson

  $12,500  

Member

  $7,500  

The annual grant of shares vests in eight equal quarterly installments, one-eighth on the day following the annual meeting of shareholders, and an additional one-eighth on each successive third monthly anniversary of the date of grant. The annual grant of cash, including all amounts paid to a non-employee Chairman of the Board and all amounts paid to non-employee directors serving on committees of the Board, vests in four equal quarterly installments, one-fourth on the day following the annual meeting of shareholders, and an additional one-fourth on each successive third monthly anniversary of the date of grant. The award lapses with respect to all unpaid cash and unvested shares in the event the non-employee director ceases to be a director of the company, and any unvested shares and unpaid cash are forfeited.

The Board may pay additional cash compensation to any non-employee director for services on behalf of the Board over and above those typically expected of directors, including but not limited to service on a special committee of the Board.

Proposed Amendment

In March 2012, the Board of Directors approved the Fifth Amended and Restated 2004 Non-Employee Director Fee Plan (the “Amendment”) upon the recommendation of the Compensation and Human Resource Development Committee, subject to shareholder approval at the Annual Meeting. The 2004 Fee Plan has only two years remaining of its ten year term. The Amendment would amend the 2004 Fee Plan to provide that the annual equity retainer award under the 2004 Fee Plan would be determined by the Board of Directors each year, with the aggregate amount of the equity awards being subject only to the number of shares available under the 2004 Fee Plan. Therefore, if the Amendment is approved, future changes in the amount of the equity award dur-

54


ing the final two years of the 2004 Fee Plan (currently 157,072 shares), would not be subject to shareholder approval, so long as the total number of shares granted is less than or equal to the number of shares available under the 2004 Fee Plan. The amount of the cash portion of the Annual Retainer has always been subject to the Board’s discretion, without the need for shareholder approval.

For 2012, subject to shareholder approval of the Amendment at the Annual Meeting, the Board determined that the equity portion of the Annual Retainer award should be set at the number of shares determined by dividing $75,000 (an increase of $30,000 from 2011) by the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the date of the 2012 Annual Meeting, and the amount of the cash portion of the Annual Retainer for 2012 should remain at $50,000.

The Amendment would also change the vesting period for the annual equity award, from a two-year vesting period (consisting of eight equal quarterly installments, one-eighth on the date of grant and an additional one-eighth on each successive third monthly anniversary of the date of grant), to a one-year vesting period (consisting of four equal quarterly installments, one-fourth on the date of grant and an additional one-fourth on each successive third monthly anniversary of the date of grant).

To become effective, the Amendment must be approved by the shareholders at the Annual Meeting. A copy of the Fifth Amended and Restated 2004 Fee Plan is attached to this proxy statement as Exhibit 1.

Each of the Company’s non-employee directors who are serving on the board after the Annual Meeting will receive an additional $30,000 worth of common stock on the day after the Annual Meeting, and a shortened vesting period for the entire equity award as described above, if the Amendment is approved.

RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARD

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS THE APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT TO THE 2004 FEE PLAN DESCRIBED ABOVE AND URGES EACH SHAREHOLDER TO VOTE “FOR” THE AMENDMENT. EXECUTED PROXIES IN THE ACCOMPANYING FORM WILL BE VOTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN FAVOR OF THE ADOPTION OF THE AMENDMENT UNLESS THE PROXY IS MARKED OTHERWISE.

PROPOSAL 4:

  PROPOSAL 3: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED  PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM   

PROPOSAL 3: RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT

REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Audit Committee engaged Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm to audit the consolidated financial statements of the Company for the year ending December 31, 20122015, and the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 20122015, and express an opinion thereon. Although the Company is not required to seek shareholder ratification of this appointment, the Board believes it to be sound corporate governance to do so. If the appointment is not ratified, the Audit Committee will reconsider the appointment of, but will not be required to engage, a different auditing firm.

Representatives of Deloitte & Touche LLP are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting. Those representatives will have the opportunity to make a statement if they so desire and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

55


RECOMMENDATION OF THE BOARDRecommendation of the Board

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” THIS PROPOSAL AND URGES EACH SHAREHOLDER TO VOTE “FOR” RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP AS THE COMPANY’S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS. EXECUTED AND UNMARKED PROXIES IN THE ACCOMPANYING FORM WILL BE VOTED AT THE ANNUAL MEETING IN FAVOR OF RATIFICATION.

46    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  AUDIT COMMITTEE DISCLOSURE   

AUDIT COMMITTEE DISCLOSURE

The Audit Committee is comprised solely of independentfour non-employee directors and amongoperates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee charter was last amended on December 4, 2013. The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is “independent” and financially literate. The Board of directors has also determined that in addition to the accounting and other things,related financial management expertise held by the various members of the Audit Committee, Mr. Meurer specifically qualifies as an “audit committee financial expert” as that term has been defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Under its charter, the Audit Committee is responsible for overseeing our accounting and financial reporting processes and audits of our financial statements. The Audit Committee is directly responsible for the appointment and oversight of our independent auditors, including review of their qualifications, independence and performance.

In accordance with rules established by the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as the internal policies of Deloitte and Touche LLP, audit partners are subject to rotation requirements to limit the number of consecutive years and individual partner may provide service to our Company. For lead and concurring audit partners, the maximum number of consecutive years of service in that capacity is five years. The process for selection of the Company’s lead audit partner pursuant to this rotation policy involves an initial meeting between the Chair of the Audit Committee and the candidate for the role, followed by a meeting of the candidate and discussions with the full Committee and with management.

Among other duties, the Audit Committee is also responsible for:

 

Serving as an independentOverseeing the integrity of our financial statements, our accounting and objective party to monitor the Company’s financial reporting processprocesses and our systems of internal control system.over financial reporting.

Overseeing our compliance with financial legal and regulatory requirements.

 

The appointment, compensation, and oversight of the work of the registered public accounting firm employed by the Audit Committee (including resolution of disagreements between management and the auditor regarding financial reporting) for the purpose of preparing or issuing an audit report or related work, and each such registered public accounting firm reports directly to the Audit Committee.

 

Reviewing and appraising the Company’s internal auditing function.function, including a review and approval of the Company’s internal audit plan.

Reviewing the Company’s quarterly and annual earnings press releases, consolidated financial statements (including the presentation of non-GAAP financial information) and disclosures under “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” (including significant accounting policies and judgments) with management, the Company’s internal auditors and the Company’s independent auditors.

Establishment of procedures for the receipt, retention and treatment, on a confidential basis, of any complaints we receive regarding fraud in connection with, or the integrity of, our financial reporting. Employees are encouraged to report concerns about our accounting controls, auditing matters or anything else that appears to involve financial wrongdoing.

Reviewing and discussing with the Company’s independent auditors the overall scope and plans for their audit and review and approval of the terms of the engagement letter.

 

Providing an open avenue of communication among the Company’s registered public accounting firm, financial and senior management, those involved in the Company’s internal auditing function, and the Board of Directors.

Policy on Audit Committee Pre-Approval of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Auditors

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the independent auditors which exceed $50,000. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. The Chairman of the Audit Committee has been given the authority to grant pre-approvals, and each such pre-approval is then submitted to the full Committee at the next meeting for consideration and approval. Pre-approval is

generally provided for up to one year and any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. The independent auditors and management are required to periodically report to the Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided by the independent auditors in accordance with this pre-approval, and the fees for the services performed to date.

 

56SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement47


  AUDIT COMMITTEE DISCLOSURE   

Service Fees Paid to the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

Audit Fees represent fees for professional services provided in connection with the audit of our consolidated annual financial statements and internal control over financial reporting, as well as reviews of our quarterly financial statements and statutory audits of international subsidiaries. The Audit Committee has reviewed and approved the amount of fees paid to Deloitte & Touche LLP for audit and audit related services. The fees charged by Deloitte & Touche LLP for professional services rendered in connection with all audit and non-audit related matters for the years ended December 31, 20112014 and December 31, 20102013 were as follows:

 

  2011   2010   

2014

($)

   

2013

($)

 

Audit Fees(1)

  $2,547,359    $3,074,032     2,489,050     2,477,250  

Audit-Related Fees(2)

  $36,639    $—           4,000     4,000  

Tax Fees(3)

  $—          $—           3,500       

All Other Fees(4)

  $—          $—           25,000       

 

(1)

Fees for audit services in 20112014 and 20102013 consisted of (a) audits of the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and internal controls over financial reporting, (b) reviews of the Company’s quarterly condensed consolidated financial statements, and (c) annual stand alone statutory audits.

(2)

Fees for audit-related services in 20112014 and 2013 included the Company’s subscription for accounting research tools.

(3)

Tax fees in 2014 principally included servicesadvice associated with international withholding tax matters and consultation related to international tax audits.

(4)

All Other Fees in connection2014 principally included assistance with acquisition due diligenceresponding to an SEC comment letter.

 

5748    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


  REPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE   

Report of the Audit CommitteeREPORT OF THE AUDIT COMMITTEE

In connection with the financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2011,2014, the Audit Committee has:

(1)

(1)reviewed and discussed the audited financial statements with management,

(2)discussed with Deloitte & Touche LLP, the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm (the “Auditors”), the matters required to be discussed by Auditing Standard No. 16, Communications with Audit Committees, issued by the PCAOB, and

(3)received the written disclosures and letter from the Auditors required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding the Auditor’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with the Auditors the Auditors’ independence.

In determining whether to reappoint Deloitte & Touche LLP as the Company’s independent auditor, the Audit Committee took into consideration a number of factors, including:

the length of time the firm has been engaged by the Company and discussed its familiarity with our global operations and business, accounting policies and practices and internal control over financial reporting

the audited financial statements with management,

(2) discussedquality of the Audit Committee’s ongoing discussions with Deloitte & Touche LLP the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm (the “Auditors”), the matters required to be discussed by the statement on Auditing Standards No. 61, as amended (AICPA, Professional Standards, VOL. 1, AU Section 380), as adopted by the PCAOB in Rule 3200T, and

(3) received the written disclosures and letter from the Auditors required by applicable requirementsan assessment of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regardingprofessional qualifications and past performance of the Auditor’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence,lead audit partner

external data relating to audit quality and has discussed with the Auditors the Auditors’ independence.performance, including recent PCAOB reports on Deloitte & Touche LLP and its peers.

Based upon these reviews and discussions,evaluations, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board at the March 21, 2012February 10, 2015 meeting of the Board that the Company’s audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 20112014 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Board has approved this inclusion.

AUDIT COMMITTEE

William J. Meurer, Chairman

Iain A. Macdonald

Paul L. Whiting

James S. MacLeod

March 21, 2012February 10, 2015

The information contained in this report shall not be deemed to be “soliciting material” or “filed” or incorporated by reference in future filings with the SEC, or subject to the liabilities of Section 18 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, except to the extent that we specifically incorporate it by reference into a document filed under the Securities Act of 1933 or the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

 

58SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement49


SECURITY OWNERSHIP

SECURITY OWNERSHIP

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of the Company’s common stock as of April 9, 2012,1, 2015, for each director and nominee for director, each of our current executive officerofficers named in the Summary Compensation Table herein, and by all directors and executive officers of the Company as a group.

 

Name

  Common
Stock
   Common
Stock Vesting
at the 2012
Shareholder’s
Meeting(1)
   Options
Currently
Exercisable Or
Exercisable
within 60 days
   Stock-Settled
Stock
Appreciation
Rights
Vested and
Vesting
within 60
days(2)
   Total Stock
and Stock
Based
Holdings
   Percent of
Total
Outstanding
Stock
 

Furman P. Bodenheimer, Jr.

   25,684     258               25,942     *  

Mark C. Bozek

   18,898     258     10,000          29,156     *  

Lt. Gen. Michael DeLong (Ret)

   20,524     258               20,782     *  

H. Parks Helms(3)

   16,100     258               16,358     *  

Iain Macdonald

   20,659     258               20,917     *  

James S. MacLeod(4)

   27,139     258               27,397     *  

Linda McClintock-
Greco, M.D.

   26,313     258               26,571     *  

William J. Meurer

   51,508     258               51,766     *  

James K. Murray, Jr.(5)

   24,694     258               24,952     *  

Charles E. Sykes(6)

   443,346                    443,346     *  

Paul L. Whiting(7)

   64,172     258               64,430     *  

W. Michael Kipphut(8)

   198,707               2,006     200,713     *  

Lawrence R. Zingale(9)

   139,278                    139,278     *  

James C. Hobby(10)

   119,062                    119,062     *  

James T. Holder(11)

   53,909                    53,909     *  

Others

   128,274               571     128,845     *  

All directors and executive officers as a group — 18 persons

   1,378,267     2,580     10,000     2,577     1,393,424     3.2

Name  Common
Stock
   Common
Stock Vesting
at the 2015
Shareholder’s
Meeting
   Options
Currently
Exercisable Or
Exercisable
within 60 days
   Stock-Settled
Stock
Appreciation
Rights
Vested and
Vesting
within 60
days
   Total
Stock
and
Stock
Based
Holdings
   Percent of
Total
Outstanding
Stock
 

Lt. Gen. Michael DeLong (Ret)

   34,618                    34,618     *      

Lorraine L. Lutton

   5,612                    5,612     *      

Iain Macdonald

   32,753                    32,753     *      

James S. MacLeod(1)

   27,233                    27,233     *      

William J. Meurer

   65,602                    65,602     *     

William D. Muir, Jr.

   4,712                    4,712     *     

James K. Murray, Jr.(2)

   20,515                    20,515     *     

Charles E. Sykes(3)

   559,353                    559,353     1.3

Paul L. Whiting(4)

   56,266                    56,266     *     

John Chapman(5)

   56,742                    56,742     *     

David L. Pearson(6)

   90,088                    90,088     *     

Lawrence R. Zingale(7)

   201,952                    201,952     *     

James T. Holder(8)

   70,832                    70,832     *     

Others

   103,826                    103,826     *     

All directors and executive officers as a group —15 persons

   1,330,104                    1,330,104     3.1

 

**

Less than 1.0%

(1) 

Shares of common stock that will become payable under the 2004 Non-Employee Director Fee Plan to all non-employee directors serving on the date of the Company’s 2012 annual meeting of shareholders.

(2)

Shares of common stock which may be acquired within sixty days upon the exercise of stock appreciation rights (“SARs”), assuming that the fair market value of a share of the Company’s stock (as defined in the 2001 Equity Incentive Plan) is $16.12 on the date of exercise. The SARs represent the right to receive that number of shares of common stock determined by dividing (i) the total number of shares of stock subject to the SARs being exercised, multiplied by the amount by which the fair market value (as defined in the

59


Plan) of a share of stock on the day the right is exercised exceeds the fair market value of a share of stock on the date of grant of the SAR, by (ii) the fair market value of a share of stock on the exercise date.

(3)

Excludes 600 shares held by Mr. Helms’ spouse over which Mr. Helms disclaims beneficial ownership.

(4)

Includes 2,500 shares held by Mr. MacLeod in an IRA.

(5)(2) 

Excludes 1,000 shares held by a family member in which Mr. Murray disclaims beneficial ownership. Includes shares held by Murray Corporation and Murray Advisors, Inc., of which Mr. Murray is an officer and principal shareholder.a beneficial owner.

(6)(3) 

Includes 405,884441,720 shares of restricted stock issued as part of the various equity-based, long-term incentive awards and 18,3337,430 vested shares owned by a trustas part of which Mr. Sykes is a beneficiary.the Deferred Compensation Plan.

(7)(4) 

Includes 43,90044,964 shares owned jointly by Mr. Whiting and other family members. Excludes 300 shares of common stock held by Mr. Whiting’s wife in which Mr. Whiting disclaims beneficial ownership.

(8)(5) 

Includes 134,27752,399 shares of restricted stock issued as part of the various equity-based, long term incentive awards and 307 vested shares as part of the Deferred Compensation Plan.

(6)

Includes 51,694 shares of restricted stock issued as part of the various equity-based, long term incentive awards and 10,024 vested shares as part of the Deferred Compensation Plan.

(7)

Includes 141,275 shares of restricted stock issued as part of the various equity-based, long-term incentive awards.awards and 5,062 vested shares as part of the Deferred Compensation Plan.

(9)(8) 

Includes 113,60354,539 shares of restricted stock issued as part of the various equity-based, long-term incentive awards.

(10)

Includes 119,062awards and 6,507 vested shares of restricted stock issued as part of the various equity-based, long-term incentive awards.Deferred Compensation Plan.

 

50    SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


 (11)  SECURITY OWNERSHIP  

Includes 48,192 shares of restricted stock issued as part of the various equity-based, long-term incentive awards.

60


Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners

As of April 6, 2012,1, 2015, the Company’s records and other information available from outside sources indicated that the following shareholders were beneficial owners of more than five percent of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. The information below is as reported in their filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is not aware of any other beneficial owner orof more than 5% of the Company’s common stock.

 

   Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
Common Stock
 

Name

  Shares   Percent 

Wellington Management Company, LLP(1)

280 Congress Street

Boston, MA 02210

   5,434,093     12.2

Artisan Partners, LP(2)

875 East Wisconsin Avenue, Suite 800

Milwaukee, WI 53202

   4,419,394     10.0

John H. Sykes(3)

P.O.Box 20327

Tampa, Florida 33623

   3,553,257     7.9

BlackRock, Inc.(4)

40 East 52nd Street

New York, New York, 10022

   3,076,372     6.9

FMR LLC(5)

82 Devonshire Street

Boston, Massachusetts 02109

   2,888,574     6.5

The Vanguard Group, Inc.(6)

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, PA 19355

   2,265,068     5.1
   Amount and Nature of
Beneficial Ownership
Common Stock
 
Name  Shares   Percent 

BlackRock, Inc.(1)

40 East 52nd Street

New York, New York, 10022

   3,408,301     7.87%  

John H. Sykes(2)

4201 Jim Walter Boulevard

Tampa, Florida 33607

   3,048,719     7.04%  

The Vanguard Group(3)

100 Vanguard Blvd.

Malvern, PA 19355

   3,092,339     7.14%  

Dimensional Fund Advisors LP(4)

Building One

6300 Bee Cave Road

Austin, TX 78746

   2,434,203     5.62%  

 

(1)

All information is based upon the Schedule 13G filed with the Security and Exchange Commission by Wellington Management Co., LLPBlackRock, Inc. (“Wellington”BlackRock”) on February 14, 2012. WellingtonJanuary 23, 2015. BlackRock is an investment advisera parent holding company or control person in accordance with Rule 240 of the Investment Company Act of 1940.13d-1(b)(1)(iii)(G).

(2)

All information is based upon the Schedule 13G filed with the Security and Exchange Commission by Artisan Partners Holdings LP (“Artisan”) on April 9, 2012. Artisan is an investment adviser registered under section 203 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.

(3)

All information is based upon the Schedule 13G filed with the Security and Exchange Commission by Mr. John H. Sykes on February 15, 2012.January 20, 2015. Mr. Sykes is the beneficial owner of these shares which are owned by Mr. Sykes through Jopar Investments Limited Partnership, a North Carolina limited partnership (“Jopar”). Mr. Sykes is the sole limited partner of Jopar and owns all of the outstanding capital stock of Jopar’s sole general partner, Jopar Investments, Inc., a North Carolina corporation. The amount of shares shown excludes 7,950 shares owned by Mr. Sykes’ wife, as to which Mr. Sykes disclaims beneficial ownership. Mr. Sykes’ business address is P.O. Box 2044, Tampa, Florida 33601-2044.

(4)(3)

All information is based upon the Schedule 13G filed with the Security and Exchange Commission by BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) on February 13, 2012. BlackRock is a parent holding company or control person in accordance with Rule 13d-1(b)(1)(iii) (G).

61


(5)

All information is based upon the Schedule 13G filed with the Security and Exchange Commission by FMR, LLC (“FMR”) on February 14, 2012. FMR is a parent holding company in accordance with Section 240 of the Investment Advisors Act of 1940.

(6)

All information is based upon the Schedule 13G filed with the Security and Exchange Commission by The Vanguard Group-, Inc.Group (“Vanguard”) on February 8, 2012.11, 2015. Vanguard is a registered investment adviser in accordanceadviser.

(4)

All information is based upon the Schedule 13G filed with section 240 of the Investment Advisers Act of 1940.Security and Exchange Commission by Dimensional Fund Advisors LP (“Dimensional”) on February 5, 2015. Dimensional is a registered investment adviser.

SECTION 16(a)16(A) BENEFICIAL OWNERSHIP REPORTING COMPLIANCE

During the year ended December 31, 2011,2014, the executive officers and directors of the Company filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “Commission”) on a timely basis, all required reports relating to transactions involving equity securities of the Company beneficially owned by them.

The Company has relied solely on the written representation of its executive officers and directors and copies of the reports they have filed with the Commission in providing this information.

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement51


REQUIREMENTS, INCLUDING DEADLINES, FOR SUBMISSION OF PROXY PROPOSALS

AND NOMINATION OF DIRECTORS

Under the rules of the SEC and our Bylaws, if a shareholder wants to nominate a person to stand for election as a director at our 20132016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders or introduce an item of business at ansuch Annual Meeting of Shareholders and have us include such proposal in our proxy statement and form of proxy for presentation at our 20132016 Annual Meeting of Shareholders, the nomination or proposal must be received by us at our principal executive offices at 400 North Ashley Drive, Tampa, Florida 33602, by December 14, 2012.17, 2015. The nomination or proposal should be sent to the attention of the Secretary of the Company.

Under our Bylaws, a shareholder must follow certain procedures to nominate persons for election as directors or to introduce an item of business at an Annual Meeting of Shareholders.

The procedures for nominating a director are described above under the heading “Corporate Governance—Nominations for Directors.”

The procedures for introducing an item of business at the Annual Meeting include providing a written notice of each proposed item of business that must include:

 

(a)a brief description of the business desired to be brought before the meeting and the reasons for conducting such business at the meeting,

 

(b)the name and address, as they appear on the Company’s stock books, of the shareholders proposing such business,

 

(c)the class and number of shares of the Company which are beneficially owned by the shareholder,

 

(d)any material interest of the shareholder in such business, and

 

(e)the same information required by clauses (b), (c) and (d) above with respect to any other shareholder that, to the knowledge of the shareholder proposing such business, supports such proposal.

 

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OTHER MATTERS

Management knows of no matter to be brought before the Annual Meeting which is not referred to in the Notice of Annual Meeting. If any other matters properly come before the Annual Meeting, it is intended that the shares represented by Proxy will be voted with respect thereto in accordance with the judgment of the persons voting them.

 

By Order of the Board of Directors,

LOGO

James T. Holder
Secretary

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EXHIBIT 1

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

FIFTH AMENDED AND RESTATED

2004 NONEMPLOYEE DIRECTOR FEE PLAN

ARTICLE I. DEFINITIONS

1.1 DEFINITIONS.    Whenever the following terms are used in this Plan they shall have the meanings specified below unless the context clearly indicates to the contrary:

(a)“Board”: The Board of Directors of the Company.

(b)“Common Stock”: The Company’s Common Stock, par value $.01 per share.

(c)“Company”: Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated or any successor or successors thereto.

(d)“Nonemployee Director”: An individual duly elected or chosen as a Director of the Company who is not also an employee of the Company or its subsidiaries.

(e)“Plan”: The Plan set forth in this instrument as it may, from time to time, be amended.

(f)“Share”: A fully paid, non-assessable share of Common Stock.

ARTICLE II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this Plan is to secure for the Company and its shareholders the benefits of the incentive inherent in increased ownership of Common Stock of the Company by members of the Board of Directors of the Company who are not employees of the Company or any of its Subsidiaries, by providing for the payment of a portion of each Nonemployee Director’s compensation in Common Stock. It is expected that such ownership will further align the interests of such Nonemployee Directors with the shareholders of the Company, thereby promoting the long-term profits and growth of the Company, and will encourage such Nonemployee Directors to remain directors of the Company. It is also expected that the Plan will encourage qualified persons to become directors of the Company.

ARTICLE III. INITIAL GRANT OF SHARES

In consideration of joining the Board, upon the initial election of a Nonemployee Director to the Board, such Non-employee Director shall receive an award of Shares. The number of Shares shall be determined by dividing a dollar amount to be determined from time to time by the Board (to be set at $60,000) by an amount equal to the closing price of the Company’s common stock on the trading day immediately preceding the date the Nonemployee Director is elected, rounded to the nearest whole number of Shares. The initial grant of Shares shall vest in twelve equal quarterly installments, one-twelfth on the date of grant and an additional one-twelfth on each of each third monthly anniversary of the date of grant thereafter. The award shall lapse with respect to all unvested Shares in the event the Non-employee Director ceases to be a Director of the Company, and such unvested Shares shall be forfeited.

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ARTICLE IV. ANNUAL RETAINER AWARD

In consideration of their services as members of the Board, each Nonemployee Director shall be entitled to receive an annual retainer award consisting of Shares and cash in such amount as shall be determined from time to time by the Board, with the number of Shares being subject to the number of Shares remaining available for grant hereunder.

In addition to the annual retainer award determined as described above, any non-employee Chairman of the Board shall receive an additional annual cash award of $100,000, and each non-employee director serving on a committee of the Board shall receive an additional annual cash award in the following amounts:

Position

  Amount 

Audit Committee

  

Chairperson

  $20,000  

Member

  $10,000  

Compensation & Human Resource Development Committee

  

Chairperson

  $15,000  

Member

  $7,500  

Finance Committee

  

Chairperson

  $12,500  

Member

  $7,500  

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee

  

Chairperson

  $12,500  

Member

  $7,500  

The total annual equity retainer award for each Non-employee Director provided for in this Article IV, which was granted in 2011 and each prior year shall vest in eight equal quarterly installments, one-eighth on the day following the annual meeting of shareholders and an additional one-eighth on each third monthly anniversary of such date thereafter. The total annual equity retainer award for each Non-employee Director provided for in this Article IV granted in 2012 and each year thereafter shall vest in four equal quarterly installments, one-fourth on the day following the annual meeting of shareholders and an additional one-fourth on each third monthly anniversary of such date thereafter. The total annual cash compensation shall vest in four quarterly installments, one-fourth on the day following the annual meeting of shareholders and an additional one-fourth on each third monthly anniversary of such date thereafter. The award shall lapse with respect to all unvested Shares and unpaid cash in the event the Non-employee Director ceases to be a Director of the Company, and such unvested Shares and cash shall be forfeited.

The provisions of this Article IV for the annual retainer award to Nonemployee Directors shall not limit the ability of the Board to provide for additional compensation payable to Nonemployee Directors for services on behalf of the Board over and above those typically expected of Directors. The Board will determine the cash compensation for any Non-employee director serving on a special committee of the Board.

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ARTICLE V. ADMINISTRATION, AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION

5.1 ADMINISTRATION.    The Plan shall be administered by the Board. The Board shall have such powers as may be necessary to discharge its duties hereunder. The Board may, from time to time, employ agents and delegate to them such administrative duties as it sees fit, and may from time to time consult with legal counsel who may be counsel to the Company. All decisions and determinations by the Board shall be final and binding on all parties.

5.2 AMENDMENT AND TERMINATION.    The Board may alter or amend this Plan from time to time or may terminate it in its entirety; provided, however, that, any amendment which must be approved by the shareholders of the Company in order to comply with applicable law or the rules of any national securities exchange or securities listing service upon which the Shares are traded or quoted shall not be effective unless and until such approval is obtained. Presentation of the Plan or any amendment thereof for shareholder approval shall not be construed to limit the Company’s authority to offer similar or dissimilar benefits in plans that do not require shareholder approval.

5.3 ADJUSTMENTS.    In the event of any change in the outstanding Common Stock by reason of (a) any stock dividend, stock split, combination of shares, recapitalization or any other change in the capital structure of the Company, (b) any merger, consolidation, spin-off, split-off, spin-out, split-up, reorganization, partial or complete liquidation or other distribution of assets, issuance of rights or warrants to purchase securities, or (c) any other corporate transaction or event having an effect similar to any of the foregoing, the number or kind of Shares that may be issued under the Plan automatically shall be adjusted so that the proportionate interest of the Nonemployee Directors shall be maintained as before the occurrence of such event. Such adjustment shall be conclusive and binding for all purposes with respect to the Plan.

5.4 SUCCESSORS.    The Company shall require any successor (whether direct or indirect, by purchase, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise) to all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company expressly to assume and to agree to perform this Plan in the same manner and to the same extent the Company would be required to perform if no such succession had taken place. This Plan shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Company and any successor of or to the Company, including without limitation any persons acquiring directly or indirectly all or substantially all of the business and/or assets of the Company whether by sale, merger, consolidation, reorganization or otherwise (and such successor shall thereafter be deemed the “Company” for the purpose of this Plan), and the heirs, beneficiaries, executors and administrators of each Nonemployee Director.

ARTICLE VI. SHARES SUBJECT TO PLAN

Subject to adjustment as provided in this Plan, the total number of Shares of Common Stock which may be issued under this Plan shall initially be Four Hundred Fifty Thousand (450,000). Shares may be shares of original issuance or treasury shares or a combination of the foregoing.

ARTICLE VII. GENERAL PROVISIONS

7.1 NO CONTINUING RIGHT TO SERVE AS A DIRECTOR.    Neither the adoption or of this Plan, nor any document describing or referring to this Plan, or any part thereof, shall confer upon any Nonemployee Director any right to continue as a director of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company.

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7.2 GOVERNING LAW.    The provisions of this Plan shall be governed by construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Florida.

7.3 WITHHOLDING TAXES.    To the extent that the Company is required to withhold Federal, state or local taxes in connection with any component of a Nonemployee Director’s compensation in cash or Shares, and the amounts available to Company for such withholding are insufficient, it shall be a condition the receipt of any Shares that the Nonemployee Director make arrangements satisfactory to the Company for the payment of the balance of such taxes required to be withheld, which arrangement may include relinquishment of the Shares. The Company and a Nonemployee Director may also make similar arrangements with respect to payment of any other taxes derived from or related to the payment of Shares with respect to which withholding is not required.

7.4 MISCELLANEOUS.    Headings are given to the sections of this Plan as a convenience to facilitate reference. Such headings, numbering and paragraphing shall not in any case be deemed in any way material or relevant to the construction of this Plan or any provisions thereof. The use of the singular shall also include within its meaning the plural, and vice versa.

67


SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

Supplement to Proxy Statement, dated April 13, 2012, Relating to the

Annual Meeting of Shareholders To Be Held on May 17, 2012

The Proxy Statement for the Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on May 17, 2012, contains a misprint of the record date for the Annual Meeting, which is used to determine the shareholders entitled to notice of the Annual Meeting and to vote at the Annual Meeting. The correct record date is March 23, 2012, not March 22, 2012. Only shareholders of record as of the close of business on the record date are entitled to notice of the Annual Meeting and to vote at the Annual Meeting.

LOGO
James T. Holder
Secretary

April 13, 2012


52SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATEDï  2015 Proxy Statement


SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED

Annual Meeting of Shareholders, May 17, 201219, 2015

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned shareholder of Sykes Enterprises, Incorporated (the “Company”), hereby appoints each of Charles E. Sykes, W. Michael KipphutJohn Chapman and James T. Holder, and each of them with authority to act without the others, as attorneys and proxies for the undersigned, with full power of substitution, to vote all shares of the common stock of the Company which the undersigned is entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting of Shareholders of the Company and at all adjournments thereof, to be held at the Sheraton Riverwalk Hotel, 200 N.offices of the Tampa Bay Wave, 400 North Ashley Drive, 2nd Floor, Tampa, Florida, 33602, on Thursday,Tuesday, May 17, 2012,19, 2015, at 9:8:00 a.m., Eastern Daylight Savings Time, with all the powers the undersigned would possess if personally present, such proxies being directed to vote as specified below and in their discretion on any other business that may properly come before the Meeting.

THE SHARES REPRESENTED HEREBY WILL BE VOTED AS SPECIFIED BELOW. IF NO DIRECTION IS MADE, THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED FOR ALL NOMINEES LISTED IN ITEM 1, AND FOR PROPOSALS 2, 3, 4 AND 5.4.

¿ DETACH BELOW AND RETURN USING THE ENVELOPE PROVIDED¿

SYKES ENTERPRISES, INCORPORATED 20122015 ANNUAL MEETING

 

1.  To elect two Directors
(to serve for a term of three years)1- Charles E. Sykes¨ FOR all nominees¨ WITHHOLD AUTHORITY
2- William J. Meurerlisted to the left (exceptto vote for all nominees
as specified below).listed to the left

1. Election of Class III Directors

  To withhold authority to vote for any indicated nominee, write the number(s)  >>>>>>>>>
  of the nominee(s) in the box provided to the right.


2.  

01 - Charles E. Sykes

¨ FOR  ¨ AGAINST¨ ABSTAIN

02 - William J. Meurer

¨ FOR¨ AGAINST¨ ABSTAIN

03 - James K. Murray, Jr.

¨ FOR¨ AGAINST¨ ABSTAIN

2. Non-binding advisory vote to approve executive compensation

¨ FOR  ¨  FOR AGAINST  ¨  AGAINST ABSTAIN¨  ABSTAIN
3.To approve the Fifth Amended and Restated 2004 Non-employee Director Fee Plan¨  FOR¨  AGAINST¨  ABSTAIN
4.To

3.To ratify the appointment of Deloitte & Touche LLP as independent auditors of the Company.

¨FOR  ¨  FORAGAINST  ¨  AGAINSTABSTAIN  ¨  ABSTAIN
5.In

4.In their discretion, the proxies are authorized to vote upon such other business as may properly come before this meeting or any adjournments or postponements thereof.

PLEASE SIGN, DATE AND RETURN THIS PROXY CARD PROMPTLY IN THE ENCLOSED ENVELOPE

EVEN IF YOU PLAN TO ATTEND THE MEETING.

¨         I plan to attend the Meeting.                                 ¨         I do not plan to attend the Meeting.

¨            I plan to attend the  Meeting.¨            I do not plan to attend  the Meeting.

The undersigned reserves the right to revoke this Proxy at any time prior to the Proxy being voted at the Meeting. The Proxy may be revoked by delivering a signed revocation to the Company at any time prior to the Meeting, by submitting a later-dated Proxy, or by attending the Meeting in person and casting a ballot. The undersigned hereby revokes any proxy previously given to vote such shares at the Meeting.

DATE:__________________________         NO. OF SHARES: ___________________

 

DATE:NO. OF SHARES:

Check appropriate box to indicate any changes to name or address below:

Signature of Shareholder

Address Change?¨        Name Change?¨
Name:

 

Address:

Signature of Shareholder

Name: ____________________________________

Address: __________________________________

              ___________________________________

              ___________________________________

Signature of Shareholder
Please sign Proxyexactly as your name appears on your stock certificate(s). JOINT OWNERS SHOULD EACH SIGN PERSONALLY. When signing as attorney, executor, administrator, trustee, guardian, partner or corporate officer, please give your full title as such.