The 71-year-old businessman, known for his significant contributions to the global retail market, reportedly fell into a ravine during a family hiking trip, prompting widespread condolences and tributes from the business community and political figures alike.
Isak Andic, Founder of Fashion Giant Mango, Dies in Cave Accident
Isak Andic, Founder of Fashion Giant Mango, Dies in Cave Accident
Isak Andic, the billionaire creator of Mango, tragically lost his life while exploring caves near Barcelona, bringing an end to an illustrious career in fashion.
Isak Andic, the Turkish-born billionaire and founder of the fashion chain Mango, died on Saturday in a tragic incident while exploring caves in the Montserrat mountains near Barcelona. At the age of 71, Andic's untimely death marks the loss of a leading figure in global fashion. While hiking with his son and family members, Andic fell approximately 150 meters into a ravine, which activated a major emergency response involving police helicopters and mountain rescue units, as reported by Spanish media outlet El Pais.
Andic founded Mango in 1984 in Barcelona alongside his brother, Nahman, developing the brand into a high street giant with nearly 3,000 stores in 120 countries. His wealth was estimated to be around $4.5 billion, which signifies the substantial impact he had on the fashion industry. Following his accident, Mango's CEO, Toni Ruiz, expressed that Andic’s legacy would live on through the company's continued pursuit of his vision. Ruiz emphasized the importance of honoring Andic's memory by ensuring Mango remains a testament to his aspirations.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recognized Andic's immense contributions, stating, "All my love and recognition for your great work and business vision, which has turned this Spanish firm into a world leader in fashion." Similarly, Salvador Illa Roca, the president of Catalonia’s government, expressed his sorrow over the loss, hailing Andic as a committed businessman who significantly projected Catalonia on the world stage.
Andic, who immigrated to Spain in the 1960s, was serving as the non-executive chairman of Mango at the time of his passing. His rivalry with Amancio Ortega, the founder of Zara, added another layer to his storied career in fashion. Notably, Mango's popularity surged in the UK when British model Kate Moss became the face of the brand in 2011. The accolades and tributes pouring in reflect the profound influence that Isak Andic wielded in the fashion industry.
Andic founded Mango in 1984 in Barcelona alongside his brother, Nahman, developing the brand into a high street giant with nearly 3,000 stores in 120 countries. His wealth was estimated to be around $4.5 billion, which signifies the substantial impact he had on the fashion industry. Following his accident, Mango's CEO, Toni Ruiz, expressed that Andic’s legacy would live on through the company's continued pursuit of his vision. Ruiz emphasized the importance of honoring Andic's memory by ensuring Mango remains a testament to his aspirations.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez recognized Andic's immense contributions, stating, "All my love and recognition for your great work and business vision, which has turned this Spanish firm into a world leader in fashion." Similarly, Salvador Illa Roca, the president of Catalonia’s government, expressed his sorrow over the loss, hailing Andic as a committed businessman who significantly projected Catalonia on the world stage.
Andic, who immigrated to Spain in the 1960s, was serving as the non-executive chairman of Mango at the time of his passing. His rivalry with Amancio Ortega, the founder of Zara, added another layer to his storied career in fashion. Notably, Mango's popularity surged in the UK when British model Kate Moss became the face of the brand in 2011. The accolades and tributes pouring in reflect the profound influence that Isak Andic wielded in the fashion industry.
