The founder of an iconic fashion chain has died suddenly in a tragic ‘accident’ after he ‘plunged from a mountain range while hiking’.
Billionaire Isak Andic, mastermind behind the Spanish clothing retailer Mango – one of Europe’s largest fashion groups – died on Saturday.
The Barcelona-based company, which has nearly 2,800 stores worldwide, said in a statement: ‘It is with deep regret that we announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and founder of Mango.’
CEO, Toni Ruiz continued: ‘Isak has been an example for all of us. He dedicated his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision, his inspiring leadership and his unwavering commitment to values that he himself imbued in our company.’
The company did not provide further details about the accident. Spanish media said the 71-year-old died after falling while hiking with several members of his family near Barcelona.
Mango traces its origins to 1984, when Andic, who is of Turkish origin, opened his first shop on the Paseo de Gracia, Barcelona’s famous shopping street, with the help of his older brother Nahman.
It was met with huge success, coming to fruition after Spain had just emerged from a decades-long dictatorship that ended with the death of General Francisco Franco in 1975, with consumers hungry for more modern clothes.
Mango has since consolidated its position as one of the leading international fashion groups, with a major presence in more than 120 markets and 15,500 employees worldwide.
Billionaire Isak Andic, mastermind behind the Spanish clothing retailer Mango – one of Europe’s largest fashion groups – died on Saturday
Pedestrians walk by the entrance of a Mango shop on Passeig de Gracia street in Barcelona on February 28, 2024 (file image)
Isak Andic, Chief Executive of Spanish fashion label Mango, stands next to Spanish Princess Letizia, during her visit to Mango’s factory in Palau-Solita i Plegamans, near Barcelona, April 7, 2011
Mr Ruiz concluded: ‘His (Mr Ruiz’s) 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 organization.
‘His departure leaves a huge void but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements.
‘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.’
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