Mango Founder Isak Andic Tragically Dies in Hiking Accident at 71

Monday 16 December 2024 - 12:16

By: Dakir Madiha

Mango Founder Isak Andic Tragically Dies in Hiking Accident at 71

Isak Andic, the 71-year-old founder of the global fashion chain Mango, died on Saturday following a hiking accident in Spain, the company announced in a press release.

Andic reportedly slipped and fell 150 meters from a cliff while hiking with family near the Montserrat caves in Barcelona. Emergency services, including a helicopter and specialized mountain rescue unit, responded to the scene at 1 p.m., El País reported.

In a statement, Mango CEO Toni Ruiz expressed sorrow over Andic's passing, calling him "an example for all of us" whose "strategic vision and inspiring leadership" shaped Mango's success.

"His departure leaves a huge void, but we will honor his legacy by continuing the project he envisioned," Ruiz added.

Born in Istanbul, Andic relocated to Catalonia with his family in the 1960s. As a teenager, he started selling T-shirts and opened Mango's first store in Barcelona in 1984. Under his leadership, Mango grew into a global fashion powerhouse, with a turnover of EUR 3.1 billion in 2023, operations in over 120 countries, and significant online sales.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez praised Andic's "business vision," which helped transform Mango into a global leader. The Federation of Jewish Communities of Spain described him as a "pillar of the Jewish community," noting his generosity and contributions to Spanish Judaism.

Andic's net worth was estimated at USD 4.5 billion by Forbes, and he remained Mango's non-executive chairman until his death.

Mango's 60 UK branches are part of the brand's expansive global presence, which began in 1999.