Isak Andic, founder of Mango, one of the largest clothing retailers in Europe, died in an accident over the weekend, the fashion group announced on Saturday. Mango operates almost 2,800 stores globally and has become a well-known player in the industry.
The chief executive officer, Toni Ruiz, issued a statement in which he expressed his deep sadness due to the unexpected death of Andic, describing him as a guiding force for the company. “Isak has been an example for all of us. He dedicated his life to Mango, leaving an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision, inspiring leadership, and unwavering commitment to the values he instilled in our company,” said Ruiz.
Few details have been released concerning the accident, but according to Spanish media, the 71-year-old died of injuries sustained during a hike with family members near Barcelona. Mango was founded in 1984 when Andic, of Turkish descent, opened his first store on Barcelona’s renowned Paseo de Gracia, aided by his older brother Nahman. The timing was propitious: Spain had just emerged from decades of dictatorship, and consumers were hungry for modern fashion.
Under Andic’s helm, Mango has become one of the leading international fashion groups, with a presence in more than 120 markets and a global workforce of some 15,500.
