Isak Andic, the founder of the global fashion retailer Mango, passed away on Saturday in a tragic hiking accident near Barcelona. The 71-year-old businessman was with family members when he reportedly fell into a ravine, according to Spanish media.
Mango CEO Toni Ruiz expressed deep sorrow in a statement, describing Andic as “an inspiring leader and visionary” whose contributions to the company left “an indelible mark.” Under Andic’s leadership, Mango grew to nearly 2,800 stores in over 120 countries, becoming one of the world’s top fashion retailers.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez paid tribute to Andic on social media, praising his “entrepreneurial vision” and success in turning Mango into a global fashion leader. Catalonia’s regional head Salvador Illa highlighted Andic’s impact on the region and the fashion industry, calling him “a committed businessman” who elevated Catalonia’s global profile.
Born in Istanbul in 1953, Andic moved to Barcelona at the age of 14. He opened Mango’s first store in 1984, pioneering a unified brand concept and offering versatile, modern styles. Mango grew rapidly, attracting global recognition with marketing campaigns featuring celebrities like Kate Moss and Penelope Cruz.
Today, the company sells 160 million items annually and employs over 15,000 people. Despite outsourcing production, Mango has maintained its reputation for affordable fashion, competing with industry giants like Inditex, the parent company of Zara.
