Tributes Pour in for Isak Andic, Founder of Fashion Giant Mango, Following Tragic Accident
Isak Andic, the esteemed founder of the high street fashion chain Mango, passed away during a hiking accident in Spain on Saturday, according to a statement released by the company. The 71-year-old billionaire tragically slipped and fell from a 150-meter cliff while hiking with family near the Montserrat caves, just outside Barcelona, as reported by local media outlets.
The El País newspaper highlighted that Andic's son was present at the scene when the accident occurred, prompting local police to dispatch a helicopter and specialized mountain unit to assist.
Toni Ruiz, Mango's Chief Executive Officer, expressed deep sorrow in a statement regarding Andic's unexpected passing. "It is with deep regret that we announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and founder of Mango, in an accident that occurred this Saturday," Ruiz shared.
Andic's entrepreneurial spirit and visionary leadership significantly shaped the brand and influenced the fashion industry as a whole. The CEO remarked, "Isak has been an example for all of us. He dedicated his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision, inspiring leadership, and unwavering commitment to values that he himself imbued in our company."
The impact of his loss reverberates throughout the organization, with Ruiz emphasizing the legacy Andic leaves behind. "His legacy reflects the achievements of a business project marked by success and also by his human quality, his proximity, and the care and affection that he always had and at all times conveyed to the entire organisation. His departure leaves a huge void, but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements."
In light of this tragic event, Ruiz stated that it is now the responsibility of the company to honor Andic's memory. "It is up to us, and this is the best tribute we can make to Isak, and which we will fulfill to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak aspired to and of which he would feel proud. In these extremely difficult times, we share the pain of the family as if it were our own."
Born in Istanbul, Andic emigrated to Catalonia, Spain, with his family at the age of 13 during the 1960s. His entrepreneurial journey began in his teenage years when he started selling T-shirts to his classmates at Barcelona's American high school. Recognizing the potential for success in retail, he established a wholesale business selling clothing in Barcelona's Balmes Street market before launching the first Mango store in the city in 1984.
With a net worth estimated at $4.5 billion by Forbes, Andic held the position of non-executive chairman at Mango at the time of his death. In 2023, the company reported a turnover of $3.1 billion, with 33% of its business taking place online, and it operates in over 120 countries worldwide. The brand's first store in the UK opened in 1999, and it has since expanded to more than 60 locations across the country.
Andic's profound influence and enduring contributions to the fashion world will be remembered, as tributes continue to pour in following this tragic event.
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