Isak Andic, the founder of Mango, Spain’s renowned clothing retailer and one of Europe’s leading fashion groups with nearly 2,800 stores globally, passed away on Saturday in a tragic accident, according to the company.
While Mango did not provide specific details surrounding the incident, Spanish media reported that the 71-year-old lost his life while hiking with family members near Barcelona.
“It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and founder of Mango,” said Toni Ruiz, CEO of the Barcelona-based company, in a statement. “Isak was a true inspiration to us all. His strategic vision, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to the values he instilled in our company have left an indelible mark on Mango.”
Born in 1953 in Istanbul, Andic moved with his family to Barcelona, located in Catalonia, when he was 14. In 1984, he opened Mango’s first store on Barcelona’s famous shopping street, Paseo de Gracia, along with his older brother Nahman. The store proved to be an instant success, tapping into Spain’s post-dictatorship era, when consumers were eager for more modern, stylish clothing.
“He recognized the need for color, fashion, and fresh styles,” said Mango’s global retail director, Cesar de Vicente, in an interview with AFP in March 2024. “Spain was ready, and Isak had the vision to capitalize on that.”
Andic quickly expanded Mango, opening stores across Spain, followed by Portugal and France. The brand grew rapidly and eventually became one of the top international fashion groups, operating in more than 120 markets with a workforce of 15,500 employees worldwide. In 2023, Mango closed the year with a turnover of 3.1 billion euros.
– “Committed Entrepreneur” –
Like its main rival Inditex, Mango focused on quickly adapting production to the latest fashion trends while keeping prices affordable. Unlike Inditex, Mango operates solely under its own brand, outsourcing production primarily to lower-cost regions like Turkey and Asia.
Andic “understood that having a single brand identity across all stores would strengthen the concept,” said De Vicente. “He knew that consistency and global presence were key.”
The private entrepreneur, who preferred staying out of the public eye, was among Spain’s wealthiest individuals, with Forbes estimating his family’s net worth at $4.5 billion.
“His legacy reflects not only his business achievements but also his humanity, proximity, and care for everyone within the organization,” Ruiz said. “His departure leaves a significant void.”
Salvador Illa, head of the Catalonia regional government, praised Andic as “a committed businessman whose leadership has contributed to making Catalonia a leader on the global stage.”
“He leaves a lasting impact on both the Catalan and global fashion industry,” Illa wrote on social media, offering his condolences.
