The tragic death of the founder of the Mango clothing chain, one of the richest men in Spain

Isak Andic, 71, the founder of the Spanish clothing chain Mango, one of the largest fashion groups in Europe with almost 2,800 stores, died on Saturday in an accidentthe company announced.

“It is with deep regret that we regret to announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our non-executive president and founder of Mango, in an accident that occurred this Saturday,” said the company’s CEO, Toni Ruiz, in a statement.

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According to Spanish media, Andic died in a mountain accident. The president of the government, Pedro Sánchez, detailed on the social network X that the accident took place in “the Salnitre de Collbató caves.”

“All my love and recognition for their great work and business vision, which has turned this Spanish brand into a world reference in fashion,” he added.

In the company statement, Ruiz noted that Isak had been “an example for all of us.” And he added: “He has dedicated his life to the Mango project, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision, his inspiring leadership and his unwavering commitment to values ​​that he himself has imbued into our company.”

The company did not provide details of the accident, but Spanish media reported that the executive died after falling on the mountain while walking with several members of his family near Barcelona.

Mango was founded in 1984 when Andic, of Turkish origin, opened his first store on Paseo de Gracia, Barcelona’s famous shopping street, with the help of his older brother Nahman.

Mango has established itself as one of the main international fashion groups, with a presence in more than 120 countries, nearly 2,800 stores and 15,500 employees worldwide, according to its website.

“We needed color, style”

Andic was born in Istanbul in 1953 and moved with his family to Barcelona when he was 14 years old.

When it opened its first store on Paseo de Gracia, Spain had just emerged from a decades-long dictatorship that ended with the death of General Francisco Franco in 1975, and consumers were hungry for more modern clothing.

“He saw that we needed color, style,” said the fashion group’s global sales director, César de Vicente, in an interview with AFP in March 2024.

Driven by the success of its first store, the group experienced rapid expansion, opening hundreds of points of sale both in Spain and abroad, starting with Portugal and France.

The firm based its success on a powerful marketing strategy supported by stars (Kate Moss, Penélope Cruz and Antoine Griezmann have starred in campaigns), but also on its search for low prices and a quick response to fashion trends, as well as its rival Inditex, owner of Zara and Bershka, world number one in mass fashion.

Mango – initially focused on women’s fashion, but later diversified with the launch of Mango Man, Mango Kids and Mango Home – markets all its products under a single brand.

In addition, “it does not have factories” and outsources all its production, mainly in Turkey and Asia, explained at the time Marcel Planellas, professor of strategy at the Esade business school.

The company closed 2023 with a turnover of 3.1 billion euros.

Andic was one of the richest men in Spain. Forbes estimates his family net worth at $4.5 billion.

The president of the regional government of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, described Andic as “a committed businessman who, with his leadership, has contributed to making Catalonia great and projecting it to the world.”

“He leaves an indelible mark on the Catalan and global fashion sector,” he added in X, offering his condolences.

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