Mango Founder Isak Andic Dies In Hiking Accident At 71

Isak Andic, the founder of the global fashion powerhouse Mango, tragically passed away on December 14, 2024, at the age of 71. According to a statement from the company, Andic died in an accident while hiking near Barcelona with his family.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and founder of Mango,” said Toni Ruiz, CEO of Mango. Ruiz described Andic as a visionary leader who left an unforgettable impact on the company through his values, strategic vision, and commitment to excellence.

Born in Istanbul in 1953, Andic relocated to Barcelona with his family at the age of 14. In 1984, he founded Mango with his brother Nahman, opening their first store on Paseo de Gracia, a prominent shopping street in Barcelona. The timing was perfect, as Spain was transitioning to modern retail after the dictatorship of Francisco Franco.

By combining vibrant designs with affordability, Mango quickly gained traction. The brand expanded rapidly across Spain and then internationally, entering Portugal and France before establishing a presence in over 120 countries. Today, Mango is one of Europe’s leading fashion brands, operating nearly 2,800 stores worldwide and employing over 15,500 people.

Mango closed 2023 with a revenue of €3.1 billion, with online sales contributing to 33% of the total turnover. The company’s unique business model emphasizes adaptability to the latest fashion trends while maintaining cost efficiency by outsourcing production to Turkey and Asia.

Andic’s leadership made Mango a household name in the fashion industry. He believed in the power of a unified brand identity, which became the cornerstone of Mango’s success. Despite being a private individual, Andic was one of Spain’s wealthiest figures, with Forbes estimating his family’s net worth at $4.5 billion.

Tributes have poured in for Andic. Catalonia’s regional government head, Salvador Illa, praised him as a “committed businessman” whose leadership elevated Catalonia’s global standing. Illa remarked, “He leaves an indelible mark on the Catalan and international fashion scene.”

Ruiz emphasized that Andic’s legacy will remain a guiding light for the company, highlighting his human qualities, proximity to employees, and dedication to excellence. “His passing leaves an enormous void in the Mango family,” he concluded.