Isak Andic, founder of Mango, dead at 71

Isak Andic, the founder of the Spanish clothing retailer Mango, has tragically passed away following a mountain accident near Barcelona.

The 71-year-old businessman slipped and fell more than 100 meters from a cliff while hiking with relatives in the Montserrat caves on Saturday, according to a police spokesperson.

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, Andic moved with his family to Catalonia, Spain, in the 1960s. In 1984, he founded Mango, which quickly grew into one of the world’s largest fashion groups.

With nearly 2,800 stores across the globe and a workforce of 15,500 employees, Mango has established a strong international presence.

In 2023, the company reported a turnover of $3.26 billion, solidifying its position as a key player in the fashion industry.

Andic’s net worth was estimated at $4.5 billion, according to Forbes.

Mango’s CEO, Toni Ruiz, expressed deep sorrow over Andic’s death, praising his leadership and vision. Ruiz highlighted that Andic’s strategic foresight, inspiring leadership, and unwavering commitment to company values have left a lasting legacy on Mango.

Under Andic’s guidance, the company became known for its ability to swiftly respond to the latest fashion trends while maintaining affordable prices.

Mango’s business model mirrors that of its main competitor, Inditex, the world’s largest fashion retailer and owner of Zara. Like Inditex, Mango outsources its production, primarily to lower-cost regions such as Turkey and Asia, and operates with a single brand, without owning any factories.

Catalonia’s regional leader, Salvador Illa, praised Andic for his contributions to the local and global fashion industries. Illa described him as a committed businessman whose work helped raise the profile of Catalonia worldwide.