Mango Founder Isak Andic Passes Away in Hiking Accident Near Barcelona

Istanbul-born businessman Isak Andic, the founder and owner of the global fashion brand Mango, tragically passed away on Saturday after slipping and falling from a 150-meter cliff while hiking with relatives near the Montserrat caves, close to Barcelona. The news was first reported by Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia and later confirmed by Reuters.

Andic, who was 71 years old, was a visionary entrepreneur credited with transforming the global fashion industry. Mango’s CEO, Toni Ruiz, paid tribute to Andic, stating, "His departure leaves a huge void, but we are all, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements. It is up to us to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak was ambitious and proud of."

Born in Istanbul, Andic moved to Catalonia with his family in the 1960s. He founded Mango in 1984, which rapidly grew under his leadership. Speaking about Andic’s contributions earlier this year, Cesar de Vicente, the company’s global retail director, remarked, "He saw that we needed colour, style."

By the time of his passing, Andic had a reported net worth of $4.5 billion, according to Forbes, and was serving as Mango’s non-executive chairman. In 2023, the company achieved a turnover of €3.1 billion, with 33% of its business generated through online sales and a presence in over 120 markets worldwide.

Andic's strategy of rapid expansion, starting with stores across Spain before entering international markets like Portugal and France, established Mango as a household name globally.

Salvador Illa, the head of Catalonia's regional government, lauded Andic’s contributions, saying, "He leaves an indelible mark on the Catalan and global fashion sector." Illa described Andic as “a committed businessman who, with his leadership, has contributed to making Catalonia great and projecting it to the world.”

Isak Andic's passing is a profound loss for the fashion industry, leaving behind a legacy of innovation and ambition that continues to shape the global retail landscape.