Mango Founder Isak Andic Dies in Tragic Accident at 71

Isak Andic, the founder and non-executive chairman of global fashion brand Mango, died on Saturday at the age of 71. The company’s CEO, Toni Ruiz, confirmed the news, citing that the cause was an accident.

According to reports, Andic fell approximately 500 feet while exploring a cave in the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona. He was on an excursion with family members when the tragedy occurred.

Ruiz shared his grief in a company-wide communication, stating, “Isak was a guiding force for Mango and a role model for all of us. His vision and leadership were central to the success of the Mango project. His values shaped not only the company but also the culture within it, leaving an enduring impact on everyone who worked with him.”

Andic established Mango in 1984, starting with a single store on Barcelona’s iconic Paseo de Gracia. Over the years, the brand expanded to include menswear, womenswear, childrenswear, and home collections. By 1992, Mango began its international journey, opening its first stores in Portugal.

Under Andic’s leadership, the company grew into a global fashion powerhouse. As of 2023, Mango reported a turnover exceeding €3.1 billion, marking a 15 per cent increase from the previous year. Net profits more than doubled to €172 million.

Earlier this year, the brand unveiled its strategic plan, 4E, aimed at achieving €4 billion in sales by 2026. The plan includes opening over 500 new stores and enhancing brand value globally. Mango currently operates approximately 2,800 stores across more than 120 markets, employing over 15,500 people.

The fashion industry and political leaders expressed condolences. Marta Ortega Perez, chair of Inditex, the parent company of Zara, remarked, “Isak Andic’s contributions shaped the global fashion landscape. His passing is a profound loss for the Spanish business community and the global fashion industry.”

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez paid tribute on social media, commending Andic’s “business vision and dedication, which turned a Spanish fashion brand into a global benchmark.”

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1953, Andic moved to Barcelona with his family in 1969. His entrepreneurial journey culminated in Mango’s establishment, a brand that became synonymous with contemporary fashion worldwide.

Mango’s online presence and international sales, which contribute nearly 80 per cent of its revenue, underscore its global reach. Recent collaborations, such as the April 2024 partnership with designer Victoria Beckham, further solidified the brand’s status in the fashion industry.