Barcelona: Isak Andic, the billionaire founder of the global fashion brand Mango, tragically died in a caving accident on Saturday.
The 71-year-old businessman fell down a ravine while exploring caves in the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona. Reports indicate that Andic was hiking with his son and other family members at the time of the accident.
The accident took place around 13:00 local time in an area known for its deep caves, including the Salnitre de Collbató caves. A large emergency response, including a helicopter and specialised mountain rescue unit, was mobilised, but Andic’s fall from a 150-meter ravine proved fatal.
Isak Andic, originally from Turkey, founded Mango with his brother Nahman in 1984 in Barcelona. Over the decades, the brand grew into a high-street fashion giant, operating nearly 3,000 outlets across 120 countries.
It is with deep regret that we announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our non-executive Chairman and founder of Mango, in an accident that occurred this Saturday.
Isak has been an example for all of us. He dedicated his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his… pic.twitter.com/lWoayEcXEh— MANGO (@Mango) December 14, 2024
Mango’s CEO, Toni Ruiz, expressed deep sorrow at the loss, stating that, “His departure leaves a huge void, but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez paid tribute to Andic’s business acumen, calling him a visionary who transformed Mango into a world leader in fashion. Catalonia’s regional president, Salvador Illa Roca, also expressed his dismay, describing Andic as a committed businessman who contributed significantly to the region’s international reputation.
Andic, who moved to Catalonia with his family in the 1960s, was serving as Mango’s non-executive chairman at the time of his death. Throughout his career, he was regarded as one of Spain’s foremost entrepreneurs and was often considered to be in competition with Zara founder Amancio Ortega.
The fashion world, especially in the UK, was impacted when British supermodel Kate Moss became the face of Mango in 2011, boosting the brand’s popularity significantly.
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