BARCELONA, Spain — Isak Andic, the billionaire founder of the global fashion chain Mango, died on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in a tragic accident while hiking in the Montserrat mountain range near Barcelona.
The 71-year-old reportedly fell down a 150-metre ravine while exploring caves in the area, local authorities confirmed.
Andic was with his son and other family members when the accident occurred, according to Spanish newspaper El País.
Emergency services, including a specialised mountain rescue unit and a helicopter, were deployed to the scene at around 1 p.m. local time.
A Legacy in Fashion
Born in Turkey, Andic moved to Catalonia with his family in the 1960s, where he would later co-found Mango in 1984 with his brother, Nahman.
Under his leadership, the fashion brand grew into an international powerhouse, operating nearly 3,000 stores in 120 countries.
Forbes estimated Andic’s net worth at $4.5 billion (£3.6 billion), making him one of Spain’s wealthiest individuals.
Mango reported a turnover of €3.1 billion (£2.6 billion) in 2023.
Known for his entrepreneurial vision, Andic was often compared to Amancio Ortega, the founder of Zara, with whom he shared a competitive yet respectful rivalry in the high-street fashion market.
Tributes Pour In
Toni Ruiz, Mango’s CEO, expressed the company’s grief and pledged to continue Andic’s legacy.
“His departure leaves a huge void, but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements,” Ruiz said in a statement.
“We will ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak aspired to and of which he would feel proud.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also paid tribute, acknowledging Andic’s contributions to Spain’s business landscape.
“All my love and recognition for your great work and business vision, which has turned this Spanish firm into a world leader in fashion,” Sánchez said.
Catalonia’s regional president, Salvador Illa Roca, said he was “dismayed by the loss” and described Andic as a “committed businessman” who played a significant role in elevating Catalonia’s global reputation.
A Tragic End to a Storied Career
Andic’s passing marks the end of an era for Mango, a brand that gained significant international popularity, including in the UK, where it experienced a surge in recognition after British supermodel Kate Moss became its face in 2011.
Andic was serving as the non-executive chairman of Mango at the time of his death.
His influence on the fashion industry and his role in making Catalonia a hub for international business will be remembered as a cornerstone of his legacy.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of the accident, which occurred in an area known for its challenging terrain and deep caves.
As the fashion world mourns the loss of a visionary entrepreneur, tributes highlight Andic’s transformative impact on global fashion and his dedication to fostering innovation and excellence.
