Mango founder Isak Andic dies in tragic cliff fall near Barcelona

Madrid: Isak Andic, the founder of Mango, a leading global fashion chain, has died in a tragic accident in Spain. The 71-year-old billionaire reportedly slipped and fell 150 metres while walking with his wife and son in the Salitre de Collbato caves near Barcelona on Saturday at around 13:00 local time (1200 GMT).

Mango Chief Executive Toni Ruiz expressed deep regret over Andic’s unexpected death, describing it as a significant loss for the company. He emphasized Andic’s lifelong dedication to Mango and noted that his passing leaves a huge void in the organization.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez also paid tribute to Andic, acknowledging his hard work and business vision. Sánchez highlighted Andic’s role in transforming a Spanish brand into a global fashion leader, describing his contributions as monumental for the industry.

Born in Istanbul, Turkey, in 1953, Andic immigrated to Spain at the age of 13. He began his entrepreneurial journey by selling T-shirts to classmates, a venture that eventually culminated in the establishment of Mango’s first store in Barcelona in 1984.

Under Andic's leadership, Mango grew rapidly, first expanding across Spain and then internationally, starting with Portugal and France. Today, the brand operates 2,700 stores in 120 countries, solidifying its position as a major player in the global fashion industry.

In 2023, Mango reported record sales of 3.1 billion euros (approximately $3.2 billion) and is currently pursuing an ambitious expansion plan in the United States, with a target of opening 65 stores by 2025.

At the time of his death, Andic’s net worth was estimated at $4.5 billion, according to Forbes.

Isak Andic’s visionary leadership and business acumen will be remembered as a driving force behind Mango’s transformation from a local fashion store into a global retail empire.

With IANS inputs