WWW.EXFILE.COM, INC. -- 888-775-4789 -- j2 GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC. --DEF 14A


INFORMATION REQUIRED IN PROXY STATEMENT

SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(a) OF
THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

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j2 GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

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j2 Global Communications, Inc.
6922 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 500
Los Angeles, California 90028


 
Dear Stockholder:

We cordially invite you to attend the j2 Global Communications, Inc. 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders. The meeting will be held on Thursday, May 7, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. local time at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, 1755 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90028.

At the meeting, stockholders will vote on important matters. Please take the time to carefully read the proposals described in the attached proxy statement.

Thank you for your support of j2 Global Communications.


Sincerely,



                                                                                 Richard S. Ressler
                                                                                 Chairman of the Board

 
 
 
 

 

 

This proxy statement and the accompanying proxy card are being mailed to j2 Global
Communications, Inc.’s stockholders beginning on or about April 8, 2009.

 
 

 

j2 Global Communications, Inc.
 
NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

To Be Held on May 7, 2009
 

 
We will hold the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders of j2 Global Communications, Inc., a Delaware corporation, at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, 1755 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90028, on Thursday, May 7, 2009, at 10:00 a.m. local time, for the following purposes:
 
1.    
To elect seven directors to serve for the ensuing year and until their successors are duly elected and qualified;
 
2.    
To ratify the appointment of SingerLewak LLP to serve as j2 Global’s independent auditors for fiscal 2009; and
 
3.    
To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting and any adjournment(s) and postponement(s) thereof.
 
The foregoing items of business are more fully described in the proxy statement which is attached to and made a part of this notice.

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 19, 2009 as the record date for determining the stockholders entitled to receive notice of and to vote at the 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders and any adjournment or postponement thereof.

All stockholders are cordially invited to attend the Annual Meeting in person. However, whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting in person, you are urged to mark, date, sign and return the enclosed proxy card as promptly as possible to ensure your representation and the presence of a quorum at the Annual Meeting. If you submit your proxy and then decide to attend the Annual Meeting to vote your shares in person, you may still do so. Your proxy is revocable in accordance with the procedures set forth in the proxy statement.


By Order of the Board of Directors,
 

 
Jeffrey D. Adelman
Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
 
 
 
April 8, 2009
Los Angeles, California
 
 

 
TABLE OF CONTENTS
 
 
 
ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING
1
   
   
PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
4
   
   
PROPOSAL 2 — RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
6
   
   
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
7
   
   
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
8
   
   
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
10
   
   
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
11
   
   
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
12
   
   
EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
15
   
   
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
19
   
   
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
20
   
   
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
28
   
   
INFORMATION ABOUT J2 GLOBAL’S AUDITORS
29
   
   
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
30
   
   
DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND DIRECTOR
 
NOMINATIONS FOR THE NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
31
   
   
COST OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY SOLICITATION
31
   
   
HOUSEHOLDING
31
   
   
OTHER MATTERS
31

 

 
i 

 
j2 Global Communications, Inc.
6922 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 500, Los Angeles, California 90028

April 8, 2009
 

 
PROXY STATEMENT



ABOUT THE ANNUAL MEETING
 
Who Is Soliciting My Vote?
 
The Board of Directors of j2 Global Communications, Inc. (“j2 Global”) is soliciting your vote at the 2009 Annual Meeting of j2 Global’s stockholders (the “Annual Meeting”).
 
What Will I Be Voting On?
 
1.   A proposal to elect seven members to the j2 Global Board of Directors (see page 4); and
 
2.   A proposal to ratify the appointment of SingerLewak LLP (“SingerLewak”) to serve as j2 Global’s independent auditors for fiscal 2009 (see page 6).
 
How Many Votes Do I Have?
 
You will have one vote for every share of j2 Global common stock you owned at the close of business on March 19, 2009 (the record date).
 
How Many Votes Can Be Cast By All Stockholders?
 
44,599,110, which represents the total number of shares of j2 Global common stock that were outstanding and eligible to vote on the record date.
 
How Many Votes Must Be Present to Hold the Meeting?
 
A majority of the votes that can be cast, or 22,299,556 votes. We urge you to vote by proxy even if you plan to attend the Annual Meeting, so that we will know as soon as possible that enough votes will be present for us to hold the Annual Meeting.
 
What is the Required Vote to Approve Each Proposal?
 
1.           For Proposal 1 – Election of Directors – the seven nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to the j2 Global Board of Directors, whether or not such number of votes for any individual represents a majority of the votes cast.

2.           For Proposal 2 – Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors – approval requires the affirmative vote of holders of a majority of shares of j2 Global common stock present or represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.
 
How Do I Vote?
 
You can vote either in person at the Annual Meeting, by proxy without attending the Annual Meeting or as otherwise provided in this mailing.
 
1

To vote by proxy, you must fill out the enclosed proxy card, date and sign it, and return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If you own your j2 Global stock through a bank or broker that provides for voting by telephone or over the Internet, you may submit your voting instructions by telephone or the Internet.

If you want to vote in person at the Annual Meeting, and you hold your j2 Global stock through a bank or broker (that is, in street name), you must obtain a proxy from your bank or broker and bring that proxy to the Annual Meeting.
 
Can I Revoke My Proxy?
 
Yes. Just send in a new proxy card with a later date, send a written notice of revocation to j2 Global’s Secretary at 6922 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 500, Los Angeles, California 90028 or, if you own your j2 Global stock through a bank or broker that provides for voting by telephone or over the Internet, submit your voting instructions again by telephone or the Internet. In addition, if you attend the Annual Meeting and want to vote in person, you can request that your previously submitted proxy not be used. Attendance at the Annual Meeting will not by itself revoke a proxy.
 
What If I Don’t Vote For a Matter Listed On My Proxy Card?
 
If you return a proxy card without indicating your vote, your shares will be voted FOR the director nominees listed on the card and FOR ratification of the appointment of SingerLewak as j2 Global’s independent auditors, and otherwise in accordance with the judgment of the person or persons voting the proxy on any other matter properly brought before the Annual Meeting.
 
What If I Vote “Abstain”?
 
Abstentions are counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present for the transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. An abstention has no effect on the outcome of Proposal 1 – Election of Directors. An abstention has the same effect as a vote against Proposal 2 – Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors.
 
Can My Shares Be Voted If I Don’t Return My Proxy Card and Don’t Attend the Annual Meeting?
 
If you don’t vote your shares held in street name, your broker may be able to vote your shares on the matters scheduled to come before the Annual Meeting.

If your broker does not have discretion to vote your shares held in street name on a particular proposal and you don’t give your broker instructions on how to vote your shares, or your broker has such discretion but does not exercise it, the votes will be broker non-votes, which will be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present for transaction of business at the Annual Meeting. Broker non-votes will have no effect on the vote for Proposal 1 – Election of Directors or Proposal 2 – Ratification of Selection of Independent Auditors.

If you don’t vote your shares held in your name, your shares will not be voted and will not be counted for purposes of determining whether a quorum is present for transaction of business at the Annual Meeting.
 
What Happens if the Meeting is Postponed or Adjourned?
 
Your proxy will still be good and may be voted at the postponed or adjourned meeting. You will still be able to change or revoke your proxy until it is voted.
 
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Who Can I Contact if I Have Questions Concerning the Annual Meeting?
 
If you have any further questions about voting your shares or attending the Annual Meeting, or wish to obtain directions to the Annual Meeting, please call or email j2 Global’s Investor Relations Department at 323-657-5371 or investor@j2global.com.
 
 
 
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF PROXY MATERIALS FOR THE STOCKHOLDER MEETING TO BE HELD ON MAY 7, 2009

This proxy statement and j2 Global’s Annual Report are available on the Investor Relations section of j2 Global’s website at http://investor.j2global.com/sec.cfm.


 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


 
3

 
PROPOSAL 1 — ELECTION OF DIRECTORS
 
General
 
A Board of seven directors is to be elected at the Annual Meeting. All director nominees are current directors. Unless otherwise instructed, the proxy holders will vote the proxies received by them for j2 Global’s seven nominees named below, each of whom is currently a director of j2 Global. In the event that any nominee is unable or declines to serve as a director at the time of the Annual Meeting, neither of which is expected to occur, the proxies will be voted for such nominee as shall be designated by the current j2 Global Board of Directors to fill the vacancy.
 
Vote Required
 
Each share of j2 Global common stock may vote for up to seven director-nominees. Votes may not be cumulated. If a quorum is present, the seven nominees receiving the highest number of votes will be elected to the j2 Global Board of Directors, whether or not such number of votes for any individual represents a majority of the votes cast.
 
The term of office of each person elected as a director will continue until the next Annual Meeting or until his successor has been duly elected and qualified.
 
THE j2 GLOBAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” EACH OF THE NOMINEES LISTED BELOW.
 
Nominees
 
The names of the nominees, their ages at the record date and certain other information about them are set forth below:
 
Name
 
Age
 
Principal Occupation
 
Director Since
Richard S. Ressler(3)
 
50
 
President of Orchard Capital Corporation
 
1997
Douglas Y. Bech(2)(5)
 
63
 
Chairman and CEO of Raintree Resorts International, LLC
 
2000
Robert J. Cresci(1)(2)(3)
 
65
 
Managing Director of Pecks Management Partners Ltd.
 
1998
W. Brian Kretzmer(1)(5)
 
55
 
Private Investor
 
2007
John F. Rieley(4)
 
66
 
Entrepreneur
 
1995
Stephen Ross(1)(4)
 
60
 
Senior Vice President – Recreational Enterprises of Warner Bros Entertainment, Inc.
 
2007
Michael P. Schulhof(2)(3)(5)
 
66
 
Private Investor
 
1997
________________
(1)
Member of the Audit Committee
 
(2)
Member of the Compensation Committee
 
(3)
Member of the Executive Committee
 
(4)
Member of the Investor Relations Committee
 
(5)
Member of the Corporate Governance Committee

There are no family relationships among any of the directors or executive officers of j2 Global.
 
Richard S. Ressler has been Chairman of the Board of Directors and a director of j2 Global since 1997 and served as j2 Global’s Chief Executive Officer from 1997 to 2000, serving in each of these capacities pursuant to a consulting agreement between j2 Global and Orchard Capital Corporation (“Orchard Capital”). Mr. Ressler is the founder and President of Orchard Capital, a firm that provides investment capital and advice to companies (including j2 Global) in which Orchard Capital or its affiliates
 
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invest. He has been President of Orchard Capital since 1994. Mr. Ressler is a Co-Founder and Principal of CIM Group, Inc., a real estate investor and manager. He is a Co-Founder and Chairman of Orchard First Source Asset Management, LLC, a debt investor and manager. Mr. Ressler also serves as a board member for various private companies.
 
Douglas Y. Bech has served as a director of j2 Global since November 2000. From August 1988 through November 2000, he served as a director of eFax.com, a company j2 Global acquired in November 2000. Since August 1997, Mr. Bech has served as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Raintree Resorts International, Inc., a company that owns and operates luxury vacation ownership resorts. Prior to his present position, Mr. Bech practiced law, most recently from October 1994 to October 1997 as a partner with Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, L.L.P. He currently serves on the board of Frontier Oil Corporation.
 
Robert J. Cresci has been a director of j2 Global since 1998. Mr. Cresci has been a Managing Director of Pecks Management Partners Ltd., an investment management firm, since 1990. He currently serves on the boards of Sepracor, Inc., Luminex Corporation and Continucare Corporation.
 
W. Brian Kretzmer was elected to j2 Global’s Board of Directors in July 2007. He is currently an investor in several private firms where he serves in multiple capacities. From 1999 to 2006, Mr. Kretzmer was Chief Executive Officer of MAI Systems Corporation (which operated principally through its subsidiary Hotel Information Systems), a provider of enterprise management solutions for lodging organizations. He also served as Chief Financial Officer of MAI Systems Corporation from 1999 to 2000.
 
John F. Rieley is a co-founder and has been a director of j2 Global since 1995. From December 1995, when j2 Global was founded, until March 1997, he held various positions with j2 Global. Between March 1997 and the present, Mr. Rieley has, from time to time, provided consulting services to j2 Global under various consulting arrangements. Mr. Rieley has managed, marketed and consulted on other projects in the media field, the airline industry and in public affairs, including as President of Flasher Factory, Inc.
 
Stephen Ross was elected to j2 Global’s Board of Directors in July 2007. From 1989 to the present, he has served in various positions with Warner Bros Entertainment, Inc. He is currently Senior Vice President – Recreational Enterprises. Mr. Ross also serves as a director of Grill Concepts, Inc., a restaurant company.
 
Michael P. Schulhof has been a director of j2 Global since 1997. Mr. Schulhof is a private investor in the media, communications and entertainment industries and the Chairman of GTI Group LLC, a private investment firm that provides equity capital for early stage venture, growth equity and middle market buyout opportunities. From 1993 to 1996, he was President and Chief Executive Officer of Sony Corporation of America. Mr. Schulhof is a member of the Board of Directors of CASA (the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse) at Columbia University, a Trustee of the New York University Langone Medical Center and an Honorary Trustee of the Brookings Institution.
 

 

 

 
 

 
5

 
PROPOSAL 2 — RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors has selected SingerLewak LLP (“SingerLewak”) as independent auditors for j2 Global for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009. SingerLewak has served as j2 Global’s independent auditors since March 2007. Notwithstanding the ratification of SingerLewak as j2 Global’s independent auditors, the Audit Committee, in its discretion, may direct appointment of new independent auditors at any time during the year, if the Audit Committee believes that such a change would be in the best interests of j2 Global and its stockholders. Representatives of SingerLewak are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting and are expected to be available to respond to appropriate questions.

Ratification of SingerLewak as j2 Global’s auditors for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2009 requires the affirmative vote of the holders of a majority of shares of j2 Global common stock present or represented and entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting.

THE j2 GLOBAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE “FOR” PROPOSAL 2, RATIFICATION OF SELECTION OF SINGERLEWAK AS j2 GLOBAL’S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS.


 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 


 
6

 
CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
 
j2 Global’s Board of Directors has adopted Corporate Governance Principles and a Code of Business Conduct and Ethics (the “Code”), which are both posted, along with the charters for the Audit, Compensation, Corporate Governance and Nominating and Investor Relations Committees in the corporate governance section of j2 Global’s website at http://investor.j2global.com/documents.cfm.
 
Corporate Governance Principles
 
j2 Global’s Corporate Governance Principles provide guidelines that govern the qualifications and conduct of the Board of Directors. The Corporate Governance Principles are consistent with the corporate governance requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (“SOX”) and the corporate governance listing requirements applicable to companies whose securities are listed on the Nasdaq Global Select Market (the “Nasdaq listing standards”). The Corporate Governance Principles address, among other things:
 
·  
the independence and other qualifications of members of the j2 Global Board of Directors and committee. The Corporate Governance Principles provide that a majority of the directors, and all members of the Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees shall be independent of j2 Global and its management;
 
·  
the functions of the Board of Directors in relation to oversight of j2 Global;
 
·  
the selection, evaluation and approval of compensation of j2 Global’s executive officers;
 
·  
the organization and basic function of committees of the Board of Directors; and
 
·  
the authority of the Board of Directors and committees to engage outside advisors.
 
Code of Business Conduct and Ethics
 
j2 Global’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics applies to all directors, officers and employees of j2 Global, including j2 Global’s Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary. The Code embodies j2 Global’s commitment to conduct its business in accordance with all applicable laws, rules and regulations, and the highest ethical standards. The Code is posted on the corporate governance page of j2 Global’s website, and can be accessed at http://investor.j2global.com/documents.cfm.
 
Director Independence
 
Douglas Y. Bech, Robert J. Cresci, W. Brian Kretzmer, Stephen Ross and Michael P. Schulhof are independent directors, as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards and as determined by j2 Global’s Board of Directors.
 
Communications with the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee
 
The Board of Directors welcomes communications from stockholders and has adopted a procedure for receiving and addressing them. Interested parties may also submit complaints regarding accounting, internal accounting controls or auditing matters to j2 Global’s Audit Committee. Stockholders may send written communications to the entire Board of Directors, to the Audit Committee or to individual members, addressing them to j2 Global Communications, Inc., 6922 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 500, Los Angeles, California 90028, Attention: Corporate Secretary. Communications by e-mail should be addressed to investor@j2global.com and marked “Attention: Corporate Secretary” in the “Subject” field.
 
7

The Board of Directors has instructed the Secretary to review all communications so received (via e-mail or otherwise), and to exercise his discretion not to forward to members of the Board of Directors correspondence that is inappropriate such as business solicitations, frivolous communications and advertising, routine business matters (i.e., business inquiries, complaints or suggestions) and personal grievances. However, any director may at any time request the Secretary to forward any and all communications received by the Secretary but not forwarded to the Board of Directors.
 
 
MEETINGS AND COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD
 
Board Meetings and Attendance at Annual Meeting
 
The Board of Directors of j2 Global held a total of 12 meetings during 2008 and also conducted business by written consent. During 2008, each director attended at least seventy-five percent (75%) of all of the meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees of which he was a member. j2 Global encourages, but does not require, members of the Board of Directors to attend annual stockholder meetings. Five of j2 Global’s seven directors attended j2 Global’s 2008 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
Executive Sessions
 
In accordance with j2 Global’s Corporate Governance Principles, executive sessions of non-management directors are held at least twice a year. The sessions are scheduled and chaired by the Chairman of the Audit Committee. Any non-management director can request that an additional executive session be scheduled.
 
Board Committees
 
The Board of Directors has established five standing committees: Audit, Compensation, Corporate Governance and Nominating, Executive and Investor Relations. The Audit, Compensation and Corporate Governance and Nominating Committees are composed solely of independent directors as defined in the Nasdaq listing standards and determined by the Board of Directors. The charters of the Audit, Compensation, Corporate Governance and Nominating and Investor Relations Committees are posted on the corporate governance portion of j2 Global’s website at http://investor.j2global.com/documents.cfm.
 
Audit Committee
 
The Audit Committee currently consists of Messrs. Kretzmer, Ross and Cresci, who is the Chairman of the Committee. The Audit Committee is comprised solely of directors who meet all the independence standards for audit committee members as set forth in SOX and the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) adopted pursuant to SOX and the Nasdaq listing standards. The Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Cresci is an “audit committee financial expert” as that term is defined in the SEC rules adopted pursuant to SOX and that he has accounting or related financial management expertise, in each case in accordance with the rules of the SEC and the Nasdaq listing standards. The Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee is able to read and understand fundamental financial statements. The Audit Committee is responsible for, among other things, retaining and overseeing j2 Global’s independent auditors, approving the services performed by them and reviewing j2 Global’s financial reports and reporting process, accounting principles and its system of internal accounting controls. The Audit Committee held six formal meetings in 2008 and also conducted business by written consent.  See the “Audit Committee Report” below.
 
8

Compensation Committee
 
The Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs. Bech, Cresci and Schulhof, who is the Chairman of the Committee. The Compensation Committee is responsible for, among other things:
 
·     
administering j2 Global’s compensation programs, including its stock-based compensation plans;
 
·     
making recommendations to the Board of Directors, for approval by a majority of independent directors, with respect to compensation of j2 Global’s executives;
 
·     
recommending to the Board of Directors changes to j2 Global’s compensation policies and benefits programs; and
 
·     
otherwise seeking to ensure that j2 Global’s compensation philosophy is consistent with j2 Global’s best interests and is property implemented.
 
The Compensation Committee’s charter does not provide for the delegation of the Compensation Committee’s responsibilities. The Compensation Committee held 10 meetings in 2008 and also conducted business by written consent. See the “Compensation Committee Report” below.
 
Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee
 
The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee currently consists of Messrs. Kretzmer, Schulhof and Bech, who is the Chairman of the Committee. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee is responsible for, among other things:

·     
identifying, evaluating and nominating qualified individuals to become director nominees at j2 Global’s annual meetings of stockholders or to fill vacancies occurring between annual meetings of stockholders;
 
·     
recommending members of the Board of Directors for nomination to, or to fill vacancies as members of, the standing committees of the Board of Directors;
 
·     
developing, recommending to the Board of Directors and reviewing j2 Global’s Corporate Governance Principles; and
 
·     
evaluating the performance of the Board of Directors and its committees.

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee has not established specific minimum age, education, experience or skill requirements for potential director nominees. In selecting director nominees, the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee takes into consideration various factors to find candidates that will be able to represent the interests of the stockholders, including judgment, skill, diversity, educational background, experience with businesses and other organizations of a comparable size, the interplay of the candidate’s experience with that of the other members of the Board of Directors and the extent to which a candidate would be a desirable addition to the Board of Directors and any committees of the Board of Directors. The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee may consider candidates proposed by management or by stockholders, but is not limited to such candidates.

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee evaluates director candidates recommended by stockholders in the same way that it evaluates candidates recommended by other sources. j2 Global sets forth its policy with regard to the consideration of any director candidates recommended by stockholders in its Bylaws. See “Deadline for Submitting Stockholder Proposals and Director Nominations for the Next Annual Meeting” for more information regarding the procedures for the consideration of any director candidates recommended by stockholders.

9

The Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee held two formal meetings in 2008 and also conducted business by written consent.

Executive Committee
 
The Executive Committee currently consists of Messrs. Cresci, Schulhof and Ressler, who is the Chairman of the Committee. The Executive Committee may take certain action permitted by law and the Bylaws in the intervals between meetings of the full Board of Directors. Although the Executive Committee held no formal meetings during 2008, the Committee advised the Board of Directors on various issues delegated to it throughout the year.
 
Investor Relations Committee
 
The Investor Relations Committee currently consists of Messrs. Ross and Rieley, who is the Chairman of the Committee. The Investor Relations Committee is responsible for, among other things, monitoring and assisting management with the strategic direction and overall status of j2 Global’s investor relations and public relations programs and associated activities, including assistance with development of global investor relations and public relations strategies and conducting regular informal meetings with senior management regarding all material investor and public relations issues. The Investor Relations Committee held one formal meeting in 2008 and also conducted informal meetings with senior management regarding material investor and public relations matters.
 
 
DIRECTOR COMPENSATION
 
Each director, except Richard S. Ressler, receives an annual retainer of $50,000. In addition to the annual retainer, the Chairman of each of the Audit, Compensation, Corporate Governance and Nominating and Investor Relations Committees receives $10,000 per annum. Mr. Ressler is separately compensated for his services as Chairman of the Board of Directors pursuant to a consulting agreement between j2 Global and Orchard Capital, a company controlled by Mr. Ressler. Under this consulting arrangement, which runs for consecutive six-month terms, Orchard Capital receives compensation of $23,000 per month. The agreement is terminable by either party by written notice delivered at least 30 days prior to commencement of the next six-month term.

At the first scheduled Compensation Committee and Board of Directors meeting following each annual meeting of stockholders, each director shall receive (i) options to purchase shares of the Company's common stock with a fair market value under the Black-Scholes model of $200,000 on the date of grant; and (ii) restricted shares of the Company’s common stock with a fair market value under the Black Scholes model of $200,000 on the date of grant.

The following table contains information with respect to the compensation of j2 Global’s directors for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
 
 
 

 
10

Director Compensation Table
 
Name
 
Fees Earned or
Paid in Cash
($)
   
Stock
Awards
($)(2)(3)
   
Option 
Awards
($)(2)(4)
   
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
   
Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings
($)
   
All Other
Compensation
($)
   
Total
($)
 
                                           
Richard S. Ressler
  $ 276,000     $ 107,862     $ 196,862                       $ 580,724  
                                                         
Douglas Y. Bech
  $ 60,000     $ 107,862     $ 196,862                       $ 364,724  
                                                         
Robert J. Cresci
  $ 60,000     $ 107,862     $ 196,862                       $ 364,724  
                                                         
W. Brian Kretzmer
  $ 50,000     $ 84,722     $ 140,795                       $ 275,517  
                                                         
John F. Rieley
  $ 60,000
(1)
  $ 107,862     $ 196,862                       $ 364,723  
                                                         
Stephen Ross
  $ 50,000     $ 84,722     $ 140,795                       $ 275,517  
                                                         
Michael P. Schulhof
  $ 60,000     $ 107,862     $ 196,862                       $ 364,724  
________________
(1)  
Mr. Rieley also received consulting fees of $15,000 for public relations services. See “Certain Transactions – Consulting Agreements” for a more detailed description of this arrangement.
 
(2)  
These amounts represent the compensation costs for financial reporting purposes recognized for the year ended December 31, 2008 under Financial Accounting Standards Board Statement No. 123(R), “Share-Based Payment” (“FAS No. 123R”), for restricted stock awards and stock options granted in 2008 and prior years, rather than an amount paid to or realized by the non-employee director. The FAS No. 123R value as of the grant date for stock awards and stock options is spread over the number of months of service required for the grant to become non-forfeitable. The amount disclosed disregards estimates of forfeitures of awards that are otherwise included in the financial statement reporting for such awards. There can be no assurance that the FAS No. 123R amount will ever be realized. Assumptions used in the calculation of these amounts for awards granted in 2006, 2007 and 2008 are included in Note 10, “Stock Options and Employee Stock Purchase Plan” to our audited financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008 included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on February 25, 2009.
 
(3)  
The non-employee directors had the following outstanding stock awards at fiscal year end: Mr. Ressler: 18,482; Mr. Bech: 18,482; Mr. Cresci: 18,482; Mr. Kretzmer: 14,682; Mr. Rieley: 18,482; Mr. Ross: 14,682; Mr. Schulhof: 18,482.
 
(4)  
The non-employee directors had the following outstanding stock options at fiscal year end: Mr. Ressler: 1,341,779; Mr. Bech: 292,843; Mr. Cresci: 331,779; Mr. Kretzmer: 55,779; Mr. Rieley: 129,779; Mr. Ross: 55,779; Mr. Schulhof: 92,779.
 
 
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
 
The following sets forth certain information regarding j2 Global’s executive officers (ages are as of the record date):
 
Nehemia Zucker, 53, became j2 Global’s Chief Executive Officer in May 2008.  From August 2005 to May 2008, Mr. Zucker was Co-President and Chief Operating Officer. From April to August 2005, he served as Co-President, and from May 2003 to August 2005, he served as Chief Marketing Officer. From December 2000 to May 2003, Mr. Zucker served as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Financial Officer, and from 1996 to December 2000, he served as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining j2 Global in 1996, Mr. Zucker was Chief Operations Manager of Motorola’s EMBARC division, which packaged CNBC and ESPN for distribution to paging and wireless networks. From 1980 to 1996, he held various positions in finance, operations and marketing at Motorola in the United States and abroad.
 
11

R. Scott Turicchi, 45, became President in May 2008. From June 2007 until May 2008, Mr. Turicchi was Co-President, and from August 2005 until June 2007, he was Co-President and Chief Financial Officer. From May 2003 to August 2005, Mr. Turicchi served as j2 Global’s Chief Financial Officer, and from March 2000 through May 2003 he served as j2 Global’s Executive Vice President, Corporate Development. Mr. Turicchi served as a member of j2 Global’s Board of Directors from 1998 through 2000. From 1990 to 2000, he was a Managing Director in Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette Securities Corporation’s investment banking department. Mr. Turicchi is a member of the Board of Directors of Greenhills Software, Inc., a privately held company that develops real-time operating systems. He is also a member of the Board of Governors of Thomas Aquinas College, Vice Chairman of the Council for Institutional Advancement for the Pontifical North American College and a Trustee of the John Paul II Cultural Center.
 
Jeffrey D. Adelman, 42, has been j2 Global’s Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary since September 2000. Prior to joining j2 Global, Mr. Adelman practiced corporate, securities and mergers and acquisition law with the Detroit law firm of Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone, PLC. Mr. Adelman is a member of the state bars of California and Michigan.
 
Kathleen M. Griggs, 54, was appointed as Chief Financial Officer of j2 Global effective June 1, 2007. From November 2004 until joining j2 Global, she served as a financial consultant to various companies. From July 2003 to November 2004, Ms. Griggs served as Chief Financial Officer of SonicWall, Inc., a publicly held Internet security system manufacturer. From March 2000 until July 2003, she was Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of QAD, Inc., a publicly held provider of enterprise resource planning software. Prior to 2000, Ms. Griggs served as Chief Financial Officer for various companies, including Borland Software Corporation and Softbank Content Services.

 
SECURITY OWNERSHIP OF CERTAIN BENEFICIAL
OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT
 
Information Regarding Beneficial Ownership of Principal Stockholders
 
The following table contains information regarding the beneficial ownership of j2 Global common stock by the stockholders j2 Global knows to beneficially own more than five percent of j2 Global’s outstanding shares of common stock. The percentage of ownership is calculated using the number of outstanding shares on March 19, 2009.
 
Name
 
Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned(1)
 
Approximate
Percentage
FMR Corp.
82 Devonshire Street
Boston, Massachusetts 02109
 
6,458,349(2)
 
14.48%
         
Barclays Global Investors NA
45 Fremont Street, 17th Floor
San Francisco, California 94105
 
3,009,631(3)
 
6.75%
         
William Blair & Company, L.L.C.
222 W. Adams
Chicago, Illinois 60606
 
2,634,346(4)
 
5.91%

(1)
As of March 19, 2009, 44,599,110 shares of j2 Global common stock were outstanding.
 
(2)
Based upon information set forth in stockholder’s Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on February 17, 2009.
 
(3)
Based upon information set forth in stockholder’s Schedule 13G filed with the SEC on February 5, 2009.
 
(4)
Based upon information set forth in stockholder’s Schedule 13G/A filed with the SEC on January 12, 2009.
 
12

Information Regarding Beneficial Ownership of Management
 
The following table sets forth certain information that has been provided to j2 Global with respect to beneficial ownership of shares of j2 Global common stock as of February 28, 2009 by: (i) each director and nominee for director of j2 Global, (ii) each of the named executive officers of j2 Global and (iii) all directors and executive officers of j2 Global as a group:
 
Name(1)
 
Number of Shares
Beneficially Owned(2)
 
Approximate
Percentage
Richard S. Ressler                                                                                   
 
2,432,288(3)
 
5.30%
Douglas Y. Bech                                                                                   
 
342,606(4)
 
*
Robert J. Cresci                                                                                   
 
310,138(5)
 
*
W. Brian Kretzmer                                                                                   
 
26,938(6)
 
*
John F. Rieley                                                                                   
 
106,138(7)
 
*
Stephen Ross                                                                                   
 
26,938(8)
 
*
Michael P. Schulhof                                                                                   
 
69,138(9)
 
*
Nehemia Zucker
 
231,723(10)
 
*
R. Scott Turicchi                                                                                   
 
940,178(11)
 
2.08%
Jeffrey D. Adelman                                                                                   
 
76,582(12)
 
*
Kathleen M. Griggs                                                                                   
 
88,000(13)
 
*
All directors and executive officers
  as a group (12 persons) 
 
4,650,667(14)
 
9.83%

* Less than 1%
 
(1)
The address for all executive officers, directors and director nominees is c/o j2 Global Communications, Inc., 6922 Hollywood Blvd., Suite 500, Los Angeles, California 90028.
 
(2)
As of March 19, 2009, 44,599,110 shares of j2 Global common stock were outstanding.
 
(3)
Consists of 1,139,932 shares of j2 Global common stock, including 18,482 shares of unvested restricted stock, and options to acquire 1,292,356 shares of j2 Global common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of the record date for the Annual Meeting.
 
(4)
Consists of 99,186 shares of j2 Global common stock, including 18,482 shares of unvested restricted stock, owned by Douglas Y. Bech, 5,026 shares of j2 Global common stock owned by the AYBech Trust of 1984 and 5,026 shares of j2 Global common stock owned by the KEBech Trust of 1984, and options to acquire 243,420 shares of j2 Global common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of the record date for the Annual Meeting. Mr. Bech is the trustee of the AYBech Trust of 1984 and of the KEBech Trust of 1984 but has disclaimed beneficial ownership of any shares of j2 Global common stock in which he has no pecuniary interest.
 
(5)
Consists of 27,782 shares of j2 Global common stock, including 18,482 shares of unvested restricted stock, and options to acquire 282,356 shares of j2 Global common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of the record date for the Annual Meeting.
 
(6)
Consists of 15,782 shares of j2 Global common stock, including 14,682 shares of unvested restricted stock, and options to acquire 11,156 shares of j2 Global common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of the record date for the Annual Meeting.
 
 
13

(7)
Consists of 25,782 shares of j2 Global common stock, including 18,482 shares of unvested restricted stock, and options to acquire 80,356 shares of j2 Global common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of the record date for the Annual Meeting.
 
(8)
Consists of 15,782 shares of j2 Global common stock, including 14,682 shares of unvested restricted stock, and options to acquire 11,156 shares of j2 Global common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of the record date for the Annual Meeting.
 
(9)
Consists of 25,782 shares of j2 Global common stock, including 18,482 shares of unvested restricted stock, and options to acquire 43,356 shares of j2 Global common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of the record date for the Annual Meeting.
 
(10)
Consists of 192,723 shares of j2 Global common stock, including 192,500 shares of unvested restricted stock, and options to acquire 39,000 shares of j2 Global common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of the record date for the Annual Meeting.
 
(11)
Consists of 274,778 shares of j2 Global common stock, including 133,850 shares of unvested restricted stock, and options to acquire 665,400 shares of j2 Global common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of the record date for the Annual Meeting.
 
(12)
Consists of 62,782 shares of j2 Global common stock, including 56,700 shares of unvested restricted stock, and options to acquire 13,800 shares of j2 Global common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of the record date for the Annual Meeting.
 
(13)
Consists of 70,000 shares of j2 Global unvested restricted common stock and options to acquire 18,000 shares of j2 Global common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of the record date for the Annual Meeting.
 
(14)
Consists of 1,950,311 shares of j2 Global common stock, including 574,824 shares of unvested restricted stock, and options to acquire 2,700,356 shares of j2 Global common stock that are exercisable within 60 days of the record date for the Annual Meeting.
 

j2 Global is not aware of any arrangements, including any pledge by any person of j2 Global’s securities, the operation of which may at a subsequent date result in a change in control of j2 Global. j2 Global is not aware of any material proceedings to which any director, officer or affiliate of j2 Global, any owner of record or beneficially of more than five percent of j2 Global’s common stock or any associate to any such director, officer, affiliate or stockholder is a party adverse to j2 Global or any of its subsidiaries or has a material interest adverse to j2 Global or any of its subsidiaries.
 
Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance
 
Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), requires j2 Global’s officers (as defined in Rule 16a-1(f)), directors and persons who own more than 10% of a registered class of j2 Global’s equity securities to file reports of ownership and changes in ownership with the SEC. Such persons are required by SEC regulations to furnish j2 Global with copies of all Section 16(a) forms they file. Based solely on j2 Global’s review of the copies of such forms received by j2 Global and written representations from certain reporting persons that they have complied with the relevant filing requirements, j2 Global believes that all filing requirements applicable to j2 Global’s officers, directors and 10% stockholders were complied with during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
 
 
14

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION
 
Compensation Discussion and Analysis
 
General
 
The Compensation Committee of j2 Global’s Board of Directors:

·     
administers j2 Global’s compensation programs, including its stock-based compensation plans;
 
·     
recommends to the Board of Directors, for approval by a majority of independent directors, the compensation to be paid to j2 Global’s executives;
 
·     
recommends to the Board of Directors changes to j2 Global’s compensation policies and benefits programs; and
 
·     
otherwise seeks to ensure that j2 Global’s compensation philosophy is consistent with j2 Global’s best interests and is properly implemented.

The Compensation Committee currently is comprised of three non-employee directors whom the Board of Directors has determined are independent for purposes of Nasdaq Marketplace Rule 4350.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives
 
j2 Global’s executive compensation program is designed to attract, retain and motivate j2 Global’s executive officers in a manner that is tied directly to achievement of j2 Global’s overall operating and financial goals, and thereby increase j2 Global’s overall equity value. The Compensation Committee reviews j2 Global’s compensation strategy annually. As part of this process, the Compensation Committee considers whether j2 Global’s current compensation programs should be modified and whether new programs or elements of compensation should be introduced in order to better meet j2 Global’s overall compensation objectives.

Compensation for j2 Global’s executives, including for 2008, consists of salary, participation in an executive bonus program, stock option grants and restricted stock awards. j2 Global’s Compensation Committee has not adopted any formal policy for allocating compensation between long-term and short-term, between cash and non-cash or among different forms of non-cash compensation. Rather, the Compensation Committee helps the Board of Directors assess past performance and anticipated future contribution of each executive officer and recommends to the Board of Directors, for approval by a majority of independent directors, the total amount and mix of each element of compensation. In making such recommendations, the Compensation Committee also considers the market compensation of similarly-situated executives at other companies, as reflected in third-party compensation surveys, which it purchases from time to time. The Chief Executive Officer and the President, as well as the Chairman of the Board of Directors, participate actively in this process, with the Chief Executive Officer and the President being primarily responsible for establishing compensation payable to non-executive officers. In setting compensation for any given year, the Compensation Committee generally does not consider the amount of compensation from prior periods or amounts realizable from prior compensation.

j2 Global’s compensation objective is to link compensation to continuous improvements in corporate performance and increase in stockholder value. j2 Global’s executive compensation program goals include the following:
 
·     
to establish pay levels that attract, retain and motivate highly qualified executive officers, while considering the overall market competitiveness for such executive talent and balancing the relationship between total stockholder return and direct compensation;
 
·     
to align executive officer remuneration with the interests of the stockholders;
 
·     
to recognize superior individual performance;
 
·     
to balance base and incentive compensation to complement j2 Global’s annual and longer-term business objectives and strategies and encourage the fulfillment of those objectives and strategies through executive officer performance; and
 
·     
to provide compensation opportunities based on j2 Global’s performance.

15

Compensation Components
 
Executive compensation consists of the following elements:
 
Salary. Base salary is the fixed portion of executive pay and is set to reward individuals’ current contributions to j2 Global and compensate them for their expected day-to-day performance. Base salaries are evaluated annually for all executive officers. In determining appropriate salary levels for the executive officers to recommend to the Board of Directors for its approval, the Compensation Committee considers, among other factors, the officer’s scope of responsibility, prior experience and past performance, and data on prevailing compensation levels in relevant markets for executive talent. The Compensation Committee generally targets executive salaries at or below the median percentile for comparable positions at comparable companies based upon compensation survey information j2 Global purchases from time to time. The survey information includes compensation data by job function for a group of 20 companies similar to j2 Global in terms of revenues, number of employees, market capitalization and other factors. For each of these peer companies, the compensation data is compiled using proprietary third-party surveys and publicly disclosed documents and provides information regarding each executive’s salary, as well as other short- and long-term compensation, including cash bonuses and equity incentive compensation. In addition, from time to time, the Compensation Committee retains an outside compensation expert to review all aspects of j2 Global’s compensation program and to make recommendations. Such a review was conducted in 2008.The Compensation Committee conducts an annual review of executive salaries and takes into account this survey information to help ensure that executive salaries remain in line with the Compensation Committee’s target range. In approving salary increases during 2008, the Compensation Committee considered not only the survey information, but also j2 Global’s and each individual’s performance. In August 2008, the Compensation Committee unanimously recommended for approval by the Board of Directors, and the Board unanimously approved, the following base salary increases:  Hemi Zucker $425,000 to $459,000 and Jeff Adelman and Kathleen Griggs $250,000 to $270,000.

Bonus. j2 Global has established an executive bonus program for awarding bonuses to j2 Global’s senior executives, including the named executive officers. Bonus guidelines under the program are established each year and are designed to encourage and reward senior management for (a) attaining company-wide financial goals, (b) improving the financial and operational health of j2 Global, and (c) meeting or exceeding individually defined goals and objectives for each executive. The program provides guidelines only as to payment of bonuses to executive program participants and is non-binding and does not create any contract right between j2 Global and the participants.

The process for determining bonuses under this program begins with development of corporate financial targets.  In addition individual goals and objectives are set for each program participant except the Chief Executive Officer and the President, who bear ultimate responsibility for achievement of the corporate financial targets and the budget. The financial objectives are generally in alignment with j2 Global’s budget for the year, which budget is used as a basis for j2 Global’s public disclosures regarding its expected annual financial performance. The individual goals and objectives are designed to help j2 Global achieve its financial goals. The corporate financial objectives and all individual goals and objectives are recommended by the Compensation Committee for approval by the Board of Directors and approved by a majority of independent directors.
 
 
 

 
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Under the program for 2008, j2 Global established a “bonus pool” based upon an aggregate of specified percentages of base salary of all eligible executives. For the Chief Executive Officer, the “target” bonus percentage was 75% of his base salary. For the President, the “target” bonus percentage was 50% of his base salary. For the Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary and for the Chief Financial Officer the “target” bonus percentage was 35% of each of their respective base salaries. These percentages were determined based on the named executive officers’ relative level of responsibility, size and complexity of the job, past contributions to j2 Global’s performance and expected contributions to j2 Global’s future success based on the executive’s articulated goals and objectives, as well as the market compensation of similarly-situated executives at other companies as reflected in third-party compensation surveys.

The bonus program provided that the bonus pool would be “funded” only if j2 Global achieved at least 95% of the budgeted fiscal 2008 operating earnings exclusive of any non-cash compensation expense pursuant to FASB 123R (“Operating Earnings”) which related to the Operating Earnings used in conjunction with the earnings guidance provided during j2 Global’s 2007 year-end earnings conference call (the “Threshold Earnings Targets”). Even if the Threshold Earnings Targets were achieved, the pool would be funded only if they were achieved in a manner consistent with j2 Global achieving other specified financial targets including revenues, net income, net income per share, FASB 123R expense and tax rate (the “Other Corporate Objectives”). Once funded, it was anticipated – although not guaranteed – that the entire pool would be distributed among the eligible participants.
 
Under the 2008 bonus program, if the Threshold Earnings Targets were achieved in a manner consistent with the Other Corporate Objectives, the bonus pool would be funded at 100%. If less than 95% of the Threshold Earnings Targets were achieved, the bonus pool would be not funded at all. If more than 105% of the Threshold Earnings Targets were achieved in a manner consistent with the Other Corporate Objectives, the bonus pool could be funded up to 150% of the target pool amount. If at least 95% but not more than 105% of the Threshold Earnings Targets were achieved the bonus pool could be funded at between 50% and 150% of the target pool amount, depending on the actual percentage of the Threshold Earnings Targets achieved. In all instances, the exact amount of the funding of the bonus pool is to be determined by the Compensation Committee in its discretion.

Under the program, the Compensation Committee was to recommend for approval by the Board of Directors, and the independent members of the Board of Directors were to approve, funding the bonus pool based upon the program formula. However, the Compensation Committee and Board of Directors retained discretion to increase or decrease the funding of the bonus pool notwithstanding the achievement of the program criteria based on factors they deemed appropriate.

Once the bonus pool was funded, individual bonuses were to be established by evaluating each executive’s relative contribution to the success of j2 Global as a whole, as well as his or her success in meeting his or her individual objectives. Individual bonus amounts were to be recommended by the Compensation Committee for approval by the Board of Directors and approved by a majority of independent directors.

In 2009, the Compensation Committee recommended for approval by the Board of Directors, and the independent members of the Board of Directors approved: (a) funding the pool established under the 2008 executive bonus program at the 74% level based upon the program formula for the percentage of Threshold Earnings Targets achieved, and (b) an additional bonus amount to certain executives in the aggregate amount of $186,318. The Board approved this additional bonus amount to reward the senior executives for their performance and the Company’s continued growth in the face of the unanticipated and unprecedented deterioration of the economy.
 

 
17

As a result of this process, in 2009 the named executive officers were awarded the following bonuses with respect to fiscal 2008 performance:
 
Nehemia Zucker:
  $ 329,610  
R. Scott Turicchi:
  $ 187,050  
Jeffrey D. Adelman:
  $ 77,908  
Kathleen M. Griggs:
  $ 77,908  
 
j2 Global does not have any policy regarding the adjustment or recovery of awards under the bonus program in the event that the relevant performance measures are later restated or adjusted.

Stock-Based Compensation. Stock-based compensation awards, including stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units and performance shares, are designed to align the interests of executives and employees with the long-term interests of the stockholders. j2 Global approves stock-based compensation awards subject to vesting periods to retain executives and employees and encourage sustained contributions. To date, j2 Global has only awarded stock-based compensation in the form of stock options and restricted stock because it believes that these forms of compensation are most likely to retain and incentivize the employees to improve stockholder value. j2 Global does not follow a practice of making annual stock-based compensation awards. Rather, it has historically made these awards every three to five years based upon individual performance and the amount of previously approved awards that have not yet vested. j2 Global also sometimes approves awards in connection with promotions or significant increases in responsibility of executive officers. In general, the Compensation Committee determines the appropriate size of stock-based compensation awards by evaluating the relative importance of the contributions of each executive and the expected future value of each award over the vesting period. The Compensation Committee also takes into account information provided by third-party compensation surveys that provide market compensation data of similarly-situated executives at similar companies.  This process is designed to achieve the proper balance between incentivizing and retaining the services of our executive officers and other key employees, while continuing to preserve stockholder value. In striking this balance, the Compensation Committee has determined to issue stock options with a vesting period of four to five years, with a pro rata portion vesting on each anniversary of the grant date. The exercise price of options is the closing market price on the date of grant. The Compensation Committee has determined to set the typical vesting period of restricted stock awards at five years, vesting on the following graduated schedule on each anniversary of the date of award: 10% on the first anniversary, 15% on the second anniversary, 20% on the third anniversary, 25% on the fourth anniversary and 30% on the fifth anniversary. In 2008, no stock-based compensation was awarded to the named executive officers.

Employee Stock Purchase Plan. j2 Global offers all of its employees, including j2 Global’s executive officers, the opportunity to purchase j2 Global’s common stock through a tax-qualified employee stock purchase plan (“ESPP”). Under the ESPP, eligible employees can withhold up to 15% of their earnings, up to certain maximums, to be used to purchase shares of j2 Global’s common stock at certain plan-defined dates. The price of j2 Global common stock purchased under the ESPP for the offering periods is equal to 95% of its fair value at the end of the offering period.

Other Compensation. j2 Global’s executive officers are entitled to participate in j2 Global’s health, vision, dental, life and disability insurance plans, and j2 Global’s tax-qualified 401(k) plan, to the same extent that j2 Global’s other employees are entitled to participate. Participants in the 401(k) plan are eligible for up to a $500 annual company match, which vests over a three-year period. In addition, j2 Global pays a higher portion of employer contributions toward premiums for executives to participate in the health, vision and dental plans.
 

 
18

Change in Control and Severance Arrangements. j2 Global has not provided change in control or severance arrangements to any of j2 Global’s executive officers, except that Mr. Zucker has an employment contract with j2 Global that contains a severance arrangement if he is terminated without cause. Mr. Zucker’s employment agreement has no specified term and is terminable at will by either party, but provides for severance payments equal to six months’ salary in the event of a termination by j2 Global without cause. Under Mr. Zucker’s employment agreement, “cause” means (i) any act or failure to act, done or omitted in bad faith, (ii) persistent unavailability for service, habitual neglect, material misconduct (after notice and a reasonable opportunity to cure) or dishonesty, or (iii) conviction of a felony (other than ordinary traffic violations or similar minor offenses). If Mr. Zucker had been terminated without cause on December 31, 2008, he would have been entitled to receive $229,500.

In addition, in the event of a change of control of j2 Global, each option granted under the Second Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan or the 2007 Stock Plan will become immediately exercisable in full and all outstanding restrictions on each share of restricted stock shall immediately be canceled in full unless the Board of Directors determines that the holder has been offered substantially identical replacement options or replacement shares of restricted stock, as the case may be, and a comparable position at the acquiring company.

Summary
 
After its review of all existing programs, consideration of current market and competitive conditions, and alignment with j2 Global’s overall compensation objectives and philosophy, the Compensation Committee believes that the total compensation program for j2 Global’s executive officers is focused on increasing value for stockholders and enhancing j2 Global’s performance. The Compensation Committee currently believes that, although it does not target a specific percentage as being incentive compensation, a significant portion of compensation of executive officers is properly tied to stock appreciation or stockholder value through stock-based compensation awards and annual incentive bonus measures. j2 Global’s Compensation Committee believes that its executive compensation levels are competitive with the compensation programs offered by other corporations with which it competes for executive talent.
 
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of j2 Global’s filings under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), or the Exchange Act, that might incorporate future filings, including this proxy statement, in whole or in part, the following Compensation Committee Report shall not be deemed to be “Soliciting Material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filings under the Securities Act or Exchange Act whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in such filings.
 
 
 
COMPENSATION COMMITTEE REPORT
 
Management of j2 Global has prepared the Compensation Discussion and Analysis as required by Item 402(b) of Regulation S-K, and the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors has reviewed and discussed it with management. Based on this review and discussion, the Compensation Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the Compensation Discussion and Analysis be included in the proxy statement for j2 Global’s 2009 Annual Meeting of Stockholders.
 
 
  Submitted by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors,
   
   
 
Michael P. Schulhof, Chairman
 
Douglas Y. Bech
 
Robert J. Cresci

 
19

COMPENSATION COMMITTEE INTERLOCKS AND INSIDER PARTICIPATION
 
The Compensation Committee currently consists of Messrs. Bech, Cresci and Schulhof. j2 Global has no interlocking relationships or other transactions involving any of its Compensation Committee members that are required to be reported pursuant to applicable SEC rules. No member of the Compensation Committee has ever been an officer or employee of j2 Global.

Summary Compensation Table
 
The table below summarizes the total compensation earned by each of the named executive officers in 2006, 2007 and 2008.
 
Name and Principal Position
 
Year
 
Salary
(1)($)
   
Bonus
($)
   
Stock
Awards
($)
   
Option
Awards
($)
   
Non-Equity
Incentive Plan
Compensation
($)
   
Change in
Pension
Value and
Nonqualified
Deferred
Compensation
Earnings
($)
   
All Other
Compensation
($)
   
Total
($)
 
Nehemia Zucker
 
2006
  $ 366,827                       $ 195,000           $ 10,493     $ 572,320  
Chief Executive Officer
 
2007
  $ 402,789           $ 13,259     $ 391,440     $ 232,849           $ 67,399     $ 1,107,736  
   
2008
  $ 442,000                       $ 329,610           $ 11,842     $ 783,452  
  
                                                                   
Scott Turicchi
 
2006
  $ 314,423                       $ 158,000           $ 10,493     $ 482,916  
President
 
2007
  $ 349,616           $ 10,607     $ 355,777     $ 165,657           $ 205,681     $ 1,087,338  
   
2008
  $ 377,885                       $ 187,050           $ 104,176     $ 669,111  
                                                                     
Jeffrey D. Adelman
 
2006
  $ 192,211                       $ 86,000           $ 8,815     $ 287,026  
Vice President, General
 
2007
  $ 221,154           $ 7,955     $ 137,436     $ 71,459           $ 15,556     $ 453,560  
Counsel & Secretary
 
2008
  $ 260,000                       $ 77,908           $ 11,842     $ 349,750  
                                                                     
Kathleen M. Griggs
 
2006
                                               
Chief Financial Officer
 
2007
  $ 146,154           $ 109,466     $ 226,874     $ 51,042           $ 1,552     $ 535,088  
   
2008
  $ 260,000                       $ 77,908           $ 6,082     $ 343,990  

 
All Other Compensation
 
The following table and related footnotes describe each component of the column entitled “All Other Compensation” in the Summary Compensation Table.
 
20


Name
 
Year
 
Perquisites
and Other
Personal
Benefits
($)
   
Tax
Reimbursements
($)
   
Insurance
Premiums
($)
   
Company
Contributions
to Retirement and
401(k) Plans
($)
   
Severance
Payments/
Accruals(1)
($)
   
Change
in Control
Payments /
Accruals
($)
   
Other(9)
   
Total
($)
 
Nehemia
 
2006
              $ 9,993
(2)
  $ 500                       $ 10,493  
  Zucker
 
2007
              $ 10,017
(3)
  $ 500                 $ 56,882     $ 67,399  
   
2008
                  $ 11,342
(4)
  $ 500                         $ 11,842  
   
 
                                                               
R. Scott
 
 2006
              $ 9,993
(2)
  $ 500                       $ 10,493  
  Turicchi
 
2007
              $ 10,017
(3)
  $ 500                 $ 195,164     $ 205,681  
   
2008
                  $ 11,342
(4)
  $ 500                   $ 92,338     $ 104,176  
   
 
                                                               
Jeffrey D.
 
 2006
              $ 8,315
(5)
  $ 500                       $ 8,815  
  Adelman
 
2007
              $ 9,304
(6)
  $ 500                 $ 5,752     $ 15,556  
   
2008
                  $ 11,342
(4)
  $ 500                         $ 11,842  
   
 
                                                               
Kathleen M.
 
2006
                                               
  Griggs
 
2007
              $ 1,552
(7)
                          $ 1,552  
   
2008
                  $ 5,582
(8)
  $ 500                         $ 6,082  
___________________
(1)  
Mr. Zucker has a severance agreement with j2 Global pursuant to which he is entitled to receive severance payments equal to six months’ salary in the event of a termination by j2 Global without cause.
 
(2)  
Consists of $9,951 in medical, dental and vision insurance premium contributions and $41 in life insurance premium contributions for $10,000 in life insurance benefits.
 
(3)  
Consists of $9,976 in medical, dental and vision insurance premium contributions and $41 in life insurance premium contributions for $10,000 in life insurance benefits.
 
(4)  
Consists of $11,300 in medical, dental and vision insurance premium contributions and $41 in life insurance premium contributions for $10,000 in life insurance benefits.
 
(5)  
Consists of $8,273 in medical, dental and vision insurance premium contributions and $41 in life insurance premium contributions for $10,000 in life insurance benefits.
 
(6)  
Consists of $9,263 in medical, dental and vision insurance premium contributions and $41 in life insurance premium contributions for $10,000 in life insurance benefits.
 
(7)  
Consists of $1,539 in medical, dental and vision insurance premium contributions and $13 in life insurance premium contributions for $10,000 in life insurance benefits.
 
(8)  
Consists of $5,541 in medical, dental and vision insurance premium contributions and $41 in life insurance premium contributions for $10,000 in life insurance benefits.
 
(9)  
In order to avoid potential taxation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Internal Revenue Code”), in December 2006, j2 Global offered each named executive officer and director the option to increase the exercise price of certain of their stock options. This column represents compensating payments to each named executive officer to reflect the decreased value of their stock options due to the increase in exercise price.
 
 
 
 
21

Grants of Plan-Based Awards Table
 
Name  
Grant Date(1)
   
Estimated Future Payouts Under
Non-Equity Incentive Plan Awards
     
Estimated Future Payouts Under
Equity Incentive Plan Awards
     
All Other
Stock 
Awards:
Number of
Shares of
Stock or
Units
(#)
     
All Other
Option 
Awards:
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Options
(#)
     
Exercise or
Base Price
of Option
Awards
($ / Sh)
     
Grant Date Fair Value of Stock and Option Awards
($)
 
         
Threshold
($)
     
Target
($)
     
Maximum
($)
     
Threshold
(#)
     
Target
(#)
     
Maximum
(#)
                                 
Nehemia Zucker
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
                                                                                     
R. Scott Turicchi
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
                                                                                     
Jeffrey D. Adelman
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
                                                                                     
Kathleen M. Griggs
 
   
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
 
 

 
(1)  
j2 Global did not grant any equity awards during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.  Cash bonuses are disclosed in the Summary Compensation Table above.  We believe a tabular disclosure of cash bonuses would not be helpful to an investor’s understanding of j2 Global’s compensation practices because bonuses are granted at the discretion of the Compensation Committee in accordance with the methodology outlined under “Compensation Discussion and Analysis – Bonus” above.
 
 
Outstanding Equity Awards At Fiscal Year-End
 
The following table provides information on the holdings of stock options and restricted stock by the named executive officers at December 31, 2008.
 
   
Option Awards
 
Stock Awards
 
Name
 
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
   
Number of
Securities
Underlying
Unexercised
Options
(#)
   
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 (1)
($)
     
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
($)
 
   
Exercisable
   
Unexercisable
                                       
Nehemia Zucker
    36,000       72,000    
    $ 18.77  
8/31/2015
(2)
  37,500
(10)
  $ 751,500    
   
 
      3,000       12,000    
    $ 32.45  
8/3/2017
(3)
           
   
 
                                                             
R. Scott Turicchi
    320,000          
    $ 2.07  
7/12/2010
(4)
  33,850
(11)
  $ 678,354    
   
 
      37,500          
    $ 0.94  
12/28/2011
(5)
           
   
 
      12,500          
    $ 1.17  
12/28/2011
(5)
           
   
 
      8,000          
    $ 3.53  
6/25/2012
(6)
           
   
 
      8,000          
    $ 4.47  
6/25/2012
(6)
           
   
 
      44,500          
    $ 6.88  
5/8/2013
(7)
           
   
 
      133,500          
    $ 8.95  
5/8/2013
(7)
           
   
 
      99,000       66,000    
    $ 18.77  
8/31/2015
(2)
           
   
 
      2,400       9,600    
    $ 32.45  
8/3/2017
(3)
           
   
 
                                                             
Jeffrey D. Adelman
    12,000       24,000    
    $ 18.77  
8/31/2015
(2)
  13,700
(12)
  $ 274,548    
   
 
      1,800       7,200    
    $ 32.45  
8/3/2017
(3)
           
   
 
                                                             
Kathleen M. Griggs
    18,000       72,000    
    $ 33.51  
6/15/2017
(8)
  27,000
(13)
  $ 541,080    
   
 
 

22

 
(1)  
The market value is determined by multiplying the number of shares by $20.04, the closing trading price of j2 Global common stock on the Nasdaq Global Market on December 31, 2008, the last trading day of the fiscal year.
 
(2)  
The option was granted on August 31, 2005. The option vests and becomes exercisable in five equal annual installments. The first installment vested on August 31, 2006. The option will become fully vested on August 31, 2010.
 
(3)  
The option was granted on August 3, 2007. The option vests and becomes exercisable in five equal annual installments.  The first installment vested on August 3, 2008. The option will become fully vested on August 3, 2012.
 
(4)  
The option was granted on July 12, 2000. The option vested and became exercisable in four equal annual installments. The option fully vested on July 12, 2004.
 
(5)  
The option was granted on December 28, 2001. The option vested and became exercisable in four equal annual installments. The option fully vested on December 28, 2005.
 
(6)  
The option was granted ten June 25, 2002. The option appears on two lines with two separate exercise prices because, in December 2006, the exercise price for the non-qualified portion of the option was increased in order to avoid potential taxation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The option vested and became exercisable in four equal annual installments. The option fully vested on June 25, 2006.
 
(7)  
The option was granted on May 8, 2003. The option appears on two lines with two separate exercise prices because, in December 2006, the exercise price for a portion of the option was increased in order to avoid potential taxation under Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code. The option vested and became exercisable in 4 equal annual installments. The option fully vested on May 8, 2007.
 
(8)  
The option was granted on June 15, 2007. The option vests and becomes exercisable in five equal annual installments.  The first installment vested on June 15, 2008. The option will become fully vested on June 15, 2012.
 
(9)  
Consists of (a) 60,000 restricted shares of j2 Global common stock granted on August 31, 2005 with the following vesting schedule: 10% on August 31, 2006, 15% on August 31, 2007, 20% on August 31, 2008, 25% on August 31, 2009 and 30% on August 31, 2010; and (b) 5,000 restricted shares of j2 Global common stock granted on August 3, 2007 with the following vesting schedule: 10% on August 3, 2008, 15% on August 3, 2009, 20% on August 3, 2010, 25% on August 3, 2011 and 30% on August 3, 2012.
 
(10)  
Consists of (a) 55,000 restricted shares of j2 Global common stock granted on August 31, 2005 with the following vesting schedule: 10% on August 31, 2006, 15% on August 31, 2007, 20% on August 31, 2008, 25% on August 31, 2009 and 30% on August 31, 2010; and (b) 4,000 restricted shares of j2 Global common stock granted on August 3, 2007 with the following vesting schedule: 10% on August 3, 2008, 15% on August 3, 2009, 20% on August 3, 2010, 25% on August 3, 2011 and 30% on August 3, 2012.
 
(11)  
Consists of (a) 20,000 restricted shares of j2 Global common stock granted on August 31, 2005 with the following vesting schedule: 10% on August 31, 2006, 15% on August 31, 2007, 20% on August 31, 2008, 25% on August 31, 2009 and 30% on August 31, 2010; and (b) 3,000 restricted shares of j2 Global common stock granted on August 3, 2007 with the following vesting schedule: 10% on August 3, 2008, 15% on August 3, 2009, 20% on August 3, 2010, 25% on August 3, 2011 and 30% on August 3, 2012.
 
(12)  
Consists of 30,000 restricted shares of j2 Global common stock granted on June 15, 2007 with the following vesting schedule: 10% on June 15, 2008, 15% on June 15, 2009, 20% on June 15, 2010, 25% on June 15, 2011 and 30% on August 3, 2012.
 

 
23

Option Exercises and Stock Vested
 
The following table sets forth certain information with respect to stock options exercised and vested stock awards by j2 Global’s executive officers during the fiscal year ended December 31, 2008.
 
   
Option Awards
   
Stock Award
 
Name
 
Number of Shares
Acquired on Exercise
(#)
   
Value Realized
on Exercise
($)
   
Number of Shares
Acquired on Vesting
(#)
   
Value Realized
on Vesting
($)
 
                         
Nehemia Zucker
   
     
      12,500     $ 307,840  
                                 
R. Scott Turicchi
   
     
      11,400     $ 307,840  
                                 
Jeffrey D. Adelman
   
     
      4,300     $ 96,680  
                                 
Kathleen M. Griggs
   
     
      3,000     $ 75,720  
                                 

Equity Compensation Plan Information
 
The following table provides information as of December 31, 2008 regarding shares outstanding and available for issuance under j2 Global’s existing stock option plans:

Plan Category
Number of Securities
to be Issued Upon
Exercise of
Outstanding Options,
Warrants and Rights
(a)
Weighted-Average
Exercise Price of
Outstanding
Options, Warrants
and Rights
(b)
Number of Securities
Remaining Available for
Future Issuance Under
Equity Compensation
Plans (Excluding
Securities Reflected in
Column (a))
(c)
Equity compensation plans approved by security holders(1)
4,322,930
$11.73
6,690,332(2)
Equity compensation plans not approved by security holders
 

 
(1)  
These plans consist of the Second Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan, the 2007 Stock Plan and the 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan.
 
(2)  
Of these, as of December 31, 2008, 4,052,073 shares remained available for grant under the 2007 Stock Plan and 1,676,967 shares remained available for grant under the 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. The Second Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan terminated on October 24, 2007, and no additional shares were available for grant under that plan after the termination date.
 
Second Amended and Restated 1997 Stock Option Plan
 
j2 Global’s 1997 Stock Option Plan was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the stockholders in November 1997 and was subsequently twice amended and restated (as amended and restated, the “1997 Plan”). A total of 12 million shares of j2 Global’s common stock were reserved for issuance under the 1997 Plan. On October 24, 2007, upon the adoption of the j2 Global Communications, Inc. 2007 Stock Plan by j2 Global’s stockholders, the 1997 Plan was terminated and no additional options or shares of restricted stock are available for grant under the 1997 Plan. As of December 31, 2008, 3,933,477 options and 261,020 shares of restricted stock were outstanding under the 1997 Plan, all of which continue to be governed by the 1997 Plan. The 1997 Plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of j2 Global’s Board of Directors.

24

The 1997 Plan provided for grants to employees, including officers and employee directors, of “incentive stock options” within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code and for grants of non-statutory stock options and restricted stock awards to employees, including officers and employee directors, and consultants, who may be non-employee directors.

Options generally have a term of 10 years. For options granted in 1999 and prior years, one-third of the options vested equally over three years on each anniversary of the grant date. For options granted after 1999 but before August 2005, one-quarter of the options vest equally over four years on each anniversary of the grant date. For options granted during or after August 2005, one-fifth of the options vest equally over five years on each anniversary of the grant date.

The option exercise price may not be less than the higher of the par value or 100% of the fair market value of j2 Global’s common stock on the grant date. However, non-statutory options may be granted at exercise prices of not less than the higher of the par value or 85% of the fair market value of j2 Global’s common stock on the grant date. In the case of an incentive stock option granted to a person who at the time of the grant owns stock representing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of j2 Global’s common stock, the option exercise price for each share of j2 Global common stock covered by such option may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of a share of j2 Global’s common stock on the grant date.

Restricted stock awards are generally subject to a five-year restricted period, which commences on the award date, with restrictions lapsing as to 10% of the shares on the first anniversary of the award date, 15% of the shares on the second anniversary of the award date, 20% on the third anniversary of the award date, 25% on the fourth anniversary of the award date, and 30% on the fifth anniversary of the award date.

Upon the death or termination of employment of an optionee other than for cause, the option ceases to vest and must be exercised within a period of time specified in the 1997 Plan; otherwise, the options expire. In the event of a change of control of j2 Global, as defined in the 1997 Plan, each option and each share of restricted stock will become immediately exercisable in full unless the Board of Directors determines that the holder has been offered substantially identical replacement options or replacement shares of restricted stock, as the case may be, and a comparable position at the acquiring company.

2007 Stock Plan
 
j2 Global’s 2007 Stock Plan (the “2007 Plan”) was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by j2 Global’s stockholders on October 24, 2007. A total of 4.5 million shares of j2 Global’s common stock have been reserved for issuance under the 2007 Plan, subject to adjustment for recapitalization events. As of December 31, 2008, there were 4,052,073 shares available for grant under the 2007 Plan. The 2007 Plan permits the issuance of awards in the form of stock options, including incentive stock options within the meaning of Section 422 of the Internal Revenue Code, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance shares and share units and other stock-based awards. As of December 31, 2008, 389,453 options and 58,474 shares of restricted stock were outstanding under the 2007 Plan.

The 2007 Plan appoints the Compensation Committee of j2 Global’s Board of Directors as the 2007 Plan administrator and provides the Compensation Committee discretionary authority from time to time to give to employees of j2 Global or a subsidiary, members of j2 Global’s Board of Directors and consultants selected by the Compensation Committee awards permitted under the 2007 Plan. However, no individual may receive awards with respect to more than 400,000 j2 Global common shares in any one-year period.

25

As the 2007 Plan administrator, the Compensation Committee determines the terms of the awards granted, including the exercise price of each option, the number of shares subject to each option and covered by each restricted stock or other stock-based award and the vesting or similar terms of each award. The 2007 Plan administrator also has the full power to select the individuals to whom stock-based awards will be granted and to make any combination of grants to any participants. Notwithstanding the powers bestowed on the Compensation Committee under the terms of the 2007 Plan, j2 Global has adopted a policy that, among other things, requires that all stock-based compensation awards be finally approved by a majority of outside directors within the meaning of Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code.

In addition, the 2007 Plan permits grants of options under it in substitution for options held by employees of other companies who become eligible to receive options under the 2007 Plan as a result of a merger, consolidation, reorganization or similar event. The terms and conditions of the substitute options may vary from those contemplated by the 2007 Plan to the extent deemed appropriate by the Compensation Committee in order to conform the terms and conditions of the substitute options to those of the options they replace.

The 2007 Plan provides that any shares subject to 2007 Plan options that expire or are cancelled unexercised, and any restricted shares that are forfeited on which no dividends have been paid (or on which dividends have been paid if the dividends also are forfeited), again would become available for 2007 Plan purposes.

Options have a maximum term of 10 years and vest as determined by the 2007 Plan administrator. The option exercise price may not be less than the higher of the par value or 100% of the fair market value of j2 Global’s common stock on the grant date. However, non-statutory options may be granted at exercise prices of not less than the higher of the par value or 85% of the fair market value of j2 Global’s common stock on the date the option is granted. In the case of an incentive stock option granted to a person who at the time of the grant owns stock representing more than 10% of the total combined voting power of all classes of j2 Global’s common stock, the option exercise price for each share of j2 Global common stock covered by such option may not be less than 110% of the fair market value of a share of j2 Global’s common stock on the grant date of such option and such option may not be exercisable after the expiration of five years from the grant date of such option.

Upon the death or termination of employment of an optionee other than for cause, the option ceases to vest and must be exercised within a period of time specified in the 2007 Plan; otherwise, the options expire. In the event of a change of control of j2 Global, as defined in the 2007 Plan, each option will become immediately exercisable in full and all outstanding restrictions on each share of restricted stock shall immediately be canceled in full unless the Board of Directors determines that the holder has been offered substantially identical replacement options or replacement shares of restricted stock, as the case may be, and a comparable position at the acquiring company.

The 2007 Plan will expire in October 2017 in accordance with its terms, except that subsequent to its expiration the 2007 Plan will continue to govern stock-based compensation previously granted under it.
 

 
26

2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan
 
j2 Global’s 2001 Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the “ESPP”) was adopted by the Board of Directors and approved by the stockholders in May and June 2001, respectively. In May 2006, j2 Global amended and restated the ESPP to change the purchase price from 90% of the lesser of (a) the fair market value of a share of j2 Global common stock on the commencement of the offering or (b) the fair market value of a share of j2 Global common stock on the date of purchase to 95% of the fair market value of a share of j2 Global common stock at the end of the offering period.

A total of two million shares of j2 Global’s common stock have been reserved for issuance under the ESPP. As of December 31, 2008, 332,665 shares had been issued under the ESPP and 1,667,335 shares were available for future issuance. The ESPP is administered by the Compensation Committee of j2 Global’s Board of Directors.

The ESPP is implemented through sequential offerings, each of which is referred to as an “offering,” the terms of which are referred to herein as “offering periods.” Generally, each offering period is for three months or such other duration as the Compensation Committee shall determine, not to exceed 27 months. Offering periods commence on or about February 1, May 1, August 1 and November 1 of each year and end on or about the next April 30, July 31, October 31 and January 31, respectively.

By executing an agreement to participate in the ESPP, an eligible employee is entitled to purchase shares under the ESPP, or a “purchase right.” The purchase right consists of an option to purchase a maximum number of shares of j2 Global common stock determined by either (1) dividing 15% of such eligible employee’s compensation during the offering period by the purchase price of a share of j2 Global common stock for such offering period or (2) dividing $12,500 by the fair market value of a share of j2 Global common stock on the last date of such offering period, whichever is less. If the aggregate number of shares to be purchased upon exercise of purchase rights granted in the offering would exceed the maximum aggregate number of shares available for issuance under the ESPP, the Compensation Committee would make a pro rata allocation of shares available in a uniform and equitable manner. Unless the employee’s participation is discontinued, his or her right to purchase shares is exercised automatically at the end of each offering period.

Any employee of j2 Global or of any parent or subsidiary corporation of j2 Global designated by the Compensation Committee for inclusion in the ESPP is eligible to participate in an offering under the ESPP so long as the employee has been employed by j2 Global or any designated parent or subsidiary corporation of j2 Global for at least 30 days and is customarily employed at least 20 hours per week and five months per calendar year. However, no employee who owns or holds options to purchase, or as a result of participation in the ESPP would own or hold options to purchase, five percent (5%) or more of the total combined voting power or value of all classes of stock of j2 Global or of any parent or subsidiary corporation of j2 Global is entitled to participate in the ESPP. In addition, no employee is entitled to purchase more than $25,000 worth of stock (determined based on the fair market value of the shares at the time such rights are granted) under all employee stock purchase plans of j2 Global in any calendar year.


 
 
 


 

 
27

 
Notwithstanding anything to the contrary set forth in any of j2 Global’s filings under the Securities Act or the Exchange Act that might incorporate future filings, including this proxy statement, in whole or in part, the following Audit Committee Report shall not be deemed to be “Soliciting Material,” is not deemed “filed” with the SEC and shall not be incorporated by reference into any filings under the Securities Act or Exchange Act whether made before or after the date hereof and irrespective of any general incorporation language in such filings.
 
 
AUDIT COMMITTEE REPORT
 
Each member of the Audit Committee is an independent director as determined by j2 Global’s Board of Directors, based on the Nasdaq Stock Market listing rules. Each member of the Audit Committee also satisfies the SEC’s additional independence requirement for members of audit committees. In addition, j2 Global’s Board of Directors has determined that Robert J. Cresci is an “audit committee financial expert,” as defined by SEC rules. The Audit Committee operates pursuant to a Charter that was last amended and restated by the Board of Directors in October 2004 and is available in the corporate governance section of j2 Global’s website at http://investor.j2global.com/documents.cfm.

The Audit Committee reviews j2 Global’s financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors. Management has the primary responsibility for establishing and maintaining adequate internal financial controls, for preparing the financial statements and for the public reporting process. SingerLewak, j2 Global’s independent auditor for 2008, was responsible for expressing opinions on the conformity of j2 Global’s 2008 audited financial statements with generally accepted accounting principles and on the effectiveness of j2 Global’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2008.

In this context, the Audit Committee reviewed and discussed with management and SingerLewak the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008, j2 Global’s internal control over financial reporting and SingerLewak’s evaluation of j2 Global’s internal control over financial reporting. The Audit Committee discussed with SingerLewak the matters required to be discussed by Statement on Auditing Standards No. 61 (Communication with Audit Committees), as may be modified or supplemented. The Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from SingerLewak required by applicable requirements of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board regarding SingerLewak’s communications with the Audit Committee concerning independence, and has discussed with SingerLewak that firm’s independence. The Audit Committee concluded that SingerLewak’s provision of audit and non-audit services to j2 Global and its affiliates through December 31, 2008 was compatible with SingerLewak’s independence.

Based on the considerations referred to above, the Audit Committee recommended to j2 Global’s Board of Directors that the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2008 be included in j2 Global’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for 2008.
 

 
Submitted by the Audit Committee of j2 Global’s Board of Directors,
 
 
Robert J. Cresci, Chairman
W. Brian Kretzmer
Stephen Ross



 
28

 
INFORMATION ABOUT j2 GLOBAL’S AUDITORS

Changes in Registrant’s Certifying Accountant
 
On March 14, 2007, j2 Global’s Audit Committee recommended, approved and directed the dismissal of Deloitte as j2 Global’s independent accountants. Also on March 14, 2007, the Audit Committee recommended, approved and directed the selection of SingerLewak LLP (“SingerLewak”) as j2 Global’s new independent accountants. SingerLewak’s services commenced with the review of j2 Global’s financial statements for the first fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2007.

The audit reports of Deloitte on j2 Global’s consolidated financial statements for the fiscal years ended December 31, 2006 and 2005, and on management’s assessment of internal control over financial reporting and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2006 and 2005, did not contain an adverse opinion or a disclaimer of opinion and were not qualified or modified as to uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles, except for the following:

Deloitte expressed an adverse opinion on the effectiveness of j2 Global’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005 because of a material weakness relating to the assessment of the income tax impact of the pricing for services purchased by j2 Global from a subsidiary.

Deloitte’s report on the consolidated financial statements contained explanatory paragraphs regarding j2 Global’s adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 123(R) on January 1, 2006 and the restatement of 2005 consolidated financial statements.

During the two most recent fiscal years, and through the subsequent interim period preceding the dismissal of Deloitte, there were no disagreements with Deloitte on any matter of accounting principles or practices, financial statement disclosure, or auditing scope or procedure, which disagreement(s), if not resolved to the satisfaction of Deloitte, would have caused it to make reference to the subject matter of the disagreement(s) in connection with its report. During the two most recent fiscal years, and through the subsequent interim period preceding the dismissal of Deloitte, there were no reportable events described under Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K, except for the adverse opinion on the effectiveness of j2 Global’s internal control over financial reporting described above. There were no disagreements between Deloitte and j2 Global relating to this adverse opinion.

During the two most recent fiscal years, and the subsequent interim period prior to the engagement of SingerLewak, neither j2 Global, nor anyone on its behalf, consulted SingerLewak regarding either (i) the application of accounting principles to a specified transaction, either completed or proposed; or the type of audit opinion that might be rendered on the j2 Global’s financial statements, where either a written report was provided to j2 Global or oral advice was provided, that SingerLewak concluded was an important factor considered by j2 Global in reaching a decision as to the accounting, auditing or financial reporting issue; or (ii) any matter that was either the subject of a disagreement (as defined in paragraph 304(a)(1)(iv) of Regulation S-K and the related instructions) or a reportable event (as described in paragraph 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K).

On March 14, 2007, j2 Global provided Deloitte with a copy of the disclosure it is making herein in response to Item 304(a) of Regulation S-K, and requested that Deloitte furnish it with a letter addressed to the SEC, pursuant to Item 304(a)(3) of Regulation S-K, stating whether it agrees with the statements made by j2 Global herein. A copy of Deloitte’s letter to the SEC dated March 19, 2007 is attached as Exhibit 16 to j2 Global’s Current Report on Form 8-K filed with the SEC on March 20, 2007.
 
 
 
29

Audit Fees
 
SingerLewak LLP’s (“SingerLewak”) services commenced with the review of j2 Global’s financial statements for the first fiscal quarter ending March 31, 2007. The fees billed to j2 Global by SingerLewak for services rendered relating to fiscal 2007 and 2008 are set forth below.

   
2008
   
2007
 
                 
Audit Fees (a)
  $ 936,647     $ 913,337  
Audit-Related Fees (b)
    12,000       39,850  
Tax Fees (c)
    10,196       2,489  
All Other Fees
    ¾       ¾  
 Total
  $ 958,843     $ 955,676  


 
(a)
Includes professional services rendered in connection with the annual audit and quarterly reviews of the financial statements.
 
(b) 
Includes fees for services related to the benefit plan audit and foreign entity statutory audits.
 
(c) 
Includes fees for services related to an enterprise zone study.
 
Availability of Representatives of Independent Accountant at the Annual Meeting
 
Representatives of SingerLewak are expected to be present at the Annual Meeting, and will have the opportunity to make a statement at the meeting if they desire to do so. In addition, they are expected to be available at the meeting to respond to appropriate questions.

Pre-Approval Procedure for Services
 
The Audit Committee pre-approves all audit and audit-related services. The Audit Committee has delegated to its Chairman, Mr. Cresci, the authority to approve certain non-audit services. Pre-approval shall not be required for the provision of non-audit services if (1) the aggregate amount of all such non-audit services constitute no more than 5% of the total amount of revenues paid by j2 Global to the auditors during the fiscal year in which the non-audit services are provided, (2) such services were not recognized by j2 Global at the time of engagement to be non-audit services, and (3) such services are promptly brought to the attention of the Audit Committee and approved prior to the completion of the audit. No services were provided by SingerLewak pursuant to these exceptions.
 
 
CERTAIN TRANSACTIONS
 
Consulting Agreements
 
j2 Global has entered into the following consulting agreements with directors, officers and beneficial owners of more than five percent (5%) of j2 Global’s common stock:
 
Richard S. Ressler’s services as Chairman are provided pursuant to a consulting arrangement with Orchard Capital, a company controlled by Mr. Ressler. Under this consulting arrangement, which runs for consecutive six-month terms, Orchard Capital receives compensation of $23,000 per month. The agreement is terminable by either party by written notice delivered at least 30 days prior to commencement of the next six-month term.
 
Effective October 1, 2008, j2 Global entered into a Consultancy Agreement with Mr. Rieley, pursuant to which Mr. Rieley will assist in developing and implementing a voice services public relations program for j2 Global. The Consultancy Agreement had a one-year term and automatically renews for successive one-year terms unless terminated by either party at any time and for any reason. Under the Consultancy Agreement, Mr. Rieley receives annual compensation of $60,000, payable monthly in advance and, in the event that j2 Global requests that Mr. Rieley work more than 20 hours in any calendar month, an additional $500 for each hour that Mr. Rieley works in excess of 20 hours in such month.
 
Office Lease
 
j2 Global currently leases approximately 40,000 square feet of office space with monthly lease payments of approximately $98,000 for its headquarters in Los Angeles, California under a lease that expires in January 2010. j2 Global leases the space from CIM/Hollywood, LLC, a limited liability company indirectly controlled by j2 Global’s Chairman, Richard S. Ressler.
 
j2 Global believes that the transactions described above were made on terms no less favorable than could have been obtained from third parties. All transactions were negotiated at arms’ length. j2 Global intends to have all future transactions between j2 Global and its officers, directors and affiliates approved by a majority of independent and disinterested members of j2 Global’s Board of Directors or one of its committees, as appropriate, in a manner consistent with Nasdaq listing standards, Delaware law and the fiduciary duties of j2 Global’s directors.
 
30

DEADLINE FOR SUBMITTING STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS AND DIRECTOR NOMINATIONS FOR THE NEXT ANNUAL MEETING
 
Under Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act, certain stockholder proposals may be eligible for inclusion in j2 Global’s proxy statement and form of proxy. The date by which stockholder proposals must be received by j2 Global so that they may be considered for inclusion in the proxy statement and form of proxy for j2 Global’s 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders is December 2, 2009 (or if the date of the next j2 Global annual meeting of stockholders is changed by more than 30 days from the date of the Annual Meeting, a reasonable time before j2 Global begins to print and mail its proxy materials). Assuming j2 Global holds the 2010 Annual Meeting of Stockholders on the anniversary of the Annual Meeting, stockholder proposals which a stockholder does not seek to include in the proxy statement and form of proxy pursuant to Rule 14a-8 of the Exchange Act must be received by j2 Global no earlier than February 6, 2010 and no later than March 8, 2010 (unless there are fewer than 70 days between the date the next annual meeting is announced and the date it is held, in which case such advance notice must be given not more than 10 days after the date of the announcement). Notice of a stockholder’s intent to nominate candidates for election as directors must be submitted within the deadline for submission of stockholder proposals. Stockholder proposals or notices of intent to nominate candidates for election as directors should be submitted to j2 Global Communications, Inc. at 6922 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 500, Los Angeles, California 90028.
 
 
COST OF ANNUAL MEETING AND PROXY SOLICITATION
 
j2 Global is paying the expenses of this solicitation. j2 Global also will reimburse brokerage houses and other custodians, nominees and fiduciaries for their reasonable expenses in sending proxy material to principals and obtaining their instructions. In addition to solicitation by mail, the directors, officers and employees may solicit proxies in person or by telephone, fax, email or similar means.
 
 
HOUSEHOLDING
 
As permitted by the Exchange Act, only one copy of this proxy statement is being delivered to stockholders residing at the same address, unless such stockholders have notified j2 Global of their desire to receive multiple copies of the proxy statement.

j2 Global will promptly deliver, upon oral or written request, a separate copy of the proxy statement, or annual reports and proxy statements in the future, to any stockholder residing at an address to which only one copy was mailed. Additionally, stockholders sharing an address may request delivery of a single copy of annual reports and proxy statements if they are receiving multiple copies of such documents. All such requests should be directed to j2 Global’s Secretary, 6922 Hollywood Boulevard, Suite 500, Los Angeles, California 90028, (323) 860-9200.
 
 
OTHER MATTERS
 
The Board of Directors knows of no other business that will be presented at the Annual Meeting. If any other business is properly brought before the Annual Meeting, proxies in the enclosed form will be voted in respect thereof as the proxy holders deem advisable.

It is important that the proxies be returned promptly and that your shares be represented. Stockholders are urged to mark, date, sign and promptly return the accompanying proxy card in the enclosed envelope or, for stockholders who own their j2 Global stock through a bank or broker that provides for voting by telephone or over the Internet, submit voting instructions by telephone or the Internet.

The form of proxy and this proxy statement have been approved by the Board of Directors and are being mailed and delivered to stockholders by its authority.

By Order of the Board of Directors,


Richard S. Ressler
Chairman of the Board

Los Angeles, California
Dated: April 8, 2009
 
31

 
PROXY
j2 GLOBAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC.

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS - MAY 7, 2009

THIS PROXY IS SOLICITED ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The undersigned stockholder(s) of j2 Global Communications Inc., a Delaware corporation, hereby acknowledge(s) receipt of the Proxy Statement dated April 8, 2009, and hereby appoint(s) Nehemia Zucker, R. Scott Turicchi, and Jeffrey D. Adelman, and each of them, proxies and attorneys-in-fact, with full power to each of substitution, on behalf and in the name of the undersigned, to represent the undersigned at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders of j2 Global Communications, Inc., to be held May 7, 2009 at 10:00 a.m., local time, at the Renaissance Hollywood Hotel, 1755 N. Highland Avenue, Los Angeles, California 90028, and at any continuation or adjournment thereof, and to vote all shares of Common Stock which the undersigned would be entitled to vote if then and there personally present, on all matters set forth below.

THIS PROXY WILL BE VOTED AS DIRECTED, OR IF NO CONTRARY DIRECTION IS INDICATED, WILL BE VOTED FOR THE APPROVAL OF ALL PROPOSALS SET OUT ON THE REVERSE SIDE, INCLUDING FOR THE ELECTION OF THE NOMINEES TO BE DIRECTORS OF j2 GLOBAL, FOR THE RATIFICATION OF THE APPOINTMENT OF SINGERLEWAK LLP TO SERVE AS THE COMPANY'S INDEPENDENT AUDITORS FOR FISCAL 2009 AND AS SAID PROXIES DEEM ADVISABLE ON SUCH OTHER MATTERS AS MAY PROPERLY COME BEFORE THE MEETING OR ANY CONTINUATION OR ADJOURNMENT THEREOF.






 
 

 
THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS RECOMMENDS A VOTE FOR ALL PROPOSALS BELOW

[X] PLEASE MARK YOUR VOTES AS IN THIS EXAMPLE.
 

 
1.  
To elect seven directors to serve the ensuing year and until their successors are elected.

1.  Douglas Y. Bech
[_] FOR
[_] WITHHELD
2.  Robert J. Cresci
[_] FOR
[_] WITHHELD
3.  W. Brian Kretzmer
[_] FOR
[_] WITHHELD
4.  Richard S. Ressler
[_] FOR
[_] WITHHELD
5.  John F. Rieley
[_] FOR
[_] WITHHELD
6.  Stephen Ross
[_] FOR
[_] WITHHELD
7.  Michael P. Schulhof
[_] FOR
[_] WITHHELD
 

 
2.  
To ratify the appointment of SingerLewak LLP to serve as the Company's independent auditors for fiscal 2009.

 [_] FOR                 [_] WITHHELD                              [_] ABSTAIN
 

 
3.  
To transact such other business as may properly come before the meeting or any postponements or adjournments thereof.

     [_] FOR                 [_] WITHHELD                              [_] ABSTAIN


[_] Mark here for address change and note in the space provided.
 
 
Signature(s):_______________________ Date:_____________
Note: This proxy should be marked, dated and signed by the stockholder(s) exactly as his or her name appears hereon and returned promptly in the enclosed envelope. Persons in a fiduciary capacity should so indicate. If shares are held by joint tenants or as community property, each person should sign.  
 
 
 
Please date, sign and mail your proxy card back as soon as possible.
(CONTINUED AND TO BE SIGNED ON THE REVERSE SIDE)