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The businessman and founder of the fashion chain Mango, Isak Andic, passed away this Saturday at the age of 71 after falling from a height of about 150 meters during a family excursion near the Collbató caves in the Montserrat mountain range (Barcelona).
The businessman, who was accompanied by his wife and son, slipped on one of the paths in the area, causing him to fall into the void. Sources from the Mossos d’Esquadra and the Fire Department of the Generalitat confirmed that they were alerted to the accident around 12:39 PM and that the body was recovered by the mountain unit of the Mossos.
The unexpected news has caused alarm in the political and business spheres, given Andic's significance as a key figure in the fashion industry and his contribution to the Spanish economy.
Isak Andic was born in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1953, into a Sephardic Jewish family, and emigrated to Catalonia at the age of 14. His journey as an entrepreneur began at 17, selling clothing and footwear at local markets, and culminated with the founding of Mango in 1984, whose first store opened on Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona.
Thanks to his strategic vision and leadership, Mango has become the second largest Spanish fashion distribution group, just behind Inditex, with over 2,700 stores in 115 markets.
In 2024, Andic ranked fifth on Forbes' list of the richest people in Spain, with an estimated fortune of 4.5 billion euros.
The company, currently engaged in an ambitious expansion plan in markets such as the United States, reported its best first half of the year in 2024, with a record revenue of 1.543 billion euros.
The passing of Andic has been mourned by political and business leaders. Toni Ruiz, CEO of Mango, emphasized his impact on the company: "Isak has been an example for all of us. His strategic vision and leadership have left an indelible mark."
The President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, expressed his condolences on social media and acknowledged Andic's role in making Mango a global fashion benchmark. Salvador Illa, President of the Generalitat, emphasized Andic's legacy as a committed leader who showcased Catalonia on the global stage.
Andic also played a prominent role outside the business sector, being a member of several cultural and educational foundations, and holding positions in institutions such as Banco Sabadell and the Institut d’Empresa Familiar.
His passing leaves a profound void in the business and cultural world, solidifying his legacy as one of the great visionaries of international fashion.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Passing of Isak Andic, Founder of Mango
How did Isak Andic, the founder of Mango, die?
Isak Andic passed away after falling from a height of approximately 150 meters during a family hike in the Montserrat mountains, near the caves of Collbató in Barcelona. The accident occurred when he slipped on one of the trails in the area.
Who was Isak Andic and what was his impact on the fashion industry?
Isak Andic was the founder of Mango, one of the most important fashion chains in the world. He transformed Mango into the second-largest Spanish fashion retail group, with over 2,700 stores in 115 markets. His leadership and strategic vision left an indelible mark on the fashion industry and the Spanish economy.
What was Mango's economic situation before the death of its founder?
Before the passing of Isak Andic, Mango was engaged in an ambitious international expansion plan, particularly in markets such as the United States. In the first half of 2024, the company reported record revenues of 1.543 billion euros, reflecting its strong position in the global fashion market.
What legacy does Isak Andic leave in the business and cultural community?
Isak Andic not only transformed the fashion world through Mango, but he also played a significant role in various cultural and educational foundations. Additionally, he held positions in institutions such as Banco Sabadell and the Institut d’Empresa Familiar, solidifying his legacy as a visionary in the business and cultural spheres.
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