Tragic Death of Isak Andic, Founder of Mango
Isak Andic, the esteemed founder of the Spanish fashion brand Mango, tragically passed away on December 14, 2024, following a hiking accident in the Montserrat mountains near Barcelona. The 71-year-old billionaire fell from a height of 150 meters during a family outing, prompting his son to alert emergency services shortly after noon. Despite the swift response from rescue teams, Andic was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind a legacy as one of Spain's wealthiest individuals and a pivotal figure in the global fashion industry.
A Legacy of Fashion and Leadership
Born in Istanbul in 1953, Andic emigrated to Spain in the 1960s and opened the first Mango store in 1984 on Barcelona's Paseo de Gracia. His vision and strategic leadership propelled Mango into a leading position within the fashion sector, with nearly 2,800 stores worldwide and a reported net worth of $4.5 billion at the time of his death. Under his guidance, Mango achieved record sales of €3.1 billion in 2023, marking a 15% growth from the previous year. His commitment to the brand and its values was echoed in tributes from Mango's CEO, Toni Ruiz, who described Andic as a role model whose legacy would continue to inspire the company.
Tributes and Remembrance
The news of Andic's untimely death has resonated deeply within the fashion community and beyond. Catalan regional president Salvador Illa expressed his sorrow, highlighting Andic's significant contributions to both the Catalan and global fashion landscapes. As tributes pour in, many remember Andic not only for his business acumen but also for his human qualities and dedication to his family and employees. His passing leaves a profound void in the industry he helped shape, and his influence will be felt for years to come.
