Isak Andic, the 71-year-old founder of the Mango fashion chain and one of Spain’s wealthiest individuals, died in a hiking accident.
While hiking near Barcelona on Saturday with family members, Isak Andic, founder and owner of the Spanish fashion retailer Mango, fell to his death at age 71. Police reports indicate he plunged approximately 150 meters (almost 500 feet) from a cliff in the Montserrat caves.
According to the Spanish newspaper El Pais, his family contacted emergency services around 12:30 pm local time. A helicopter and ambulance were dispatched, confirming his death at the scene.
Mango’s CEO, Toni Ruiz, issued a statement expressing deep sorrow: “We regretfully announce the unexpected passing of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and Mango’s founder.”
Born in Turkey, Andic relocated to Catalonia in the 1960s and established Mango in 1984. Under his leadership, the company expanded to nearly 2,800 stores globally, generating €3.1 billion ($3.26 billion) in revenue during 2023. Forbes valued his net worth at $4.5 billion, making him reputedly the wealthiest person in his region and among Spain’s richest.
Catalan regional government leader Salvador Illa lauded Andic’s significant contributions to the fashion industry, noting that “he leaves a lasting impact on the Catalan and global fashion sectors.”
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez offered condolences to Andic’s family on X, writing, “My deepest sympathies and recognition for his exceptional work and business acumen, which transformed this Spanish company into a global fashion leader.”
Mango, similar to its competitor Inditex (Zara), adeptly adapts to current fashion trends while offering affordable prices. The company primarily outsources production to lower-cost regions in Turkey and Asia, operating under a single brand without owning any factories.