Mango, the global fashion retailer, has announced the demise of its founder and non-executive chairman, Isak Andic. The company revealed that Andic passed away in an accident on Saturday.
In a statement, Mango CEO Toni Ruiz reflected on Andic’s contributions to 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, his inspiring leadership, and his unwavering commitment to values that he himself imbued in our company,” Ruiz said.
Andic’s legacy, according to the statement, is defined by the growth and success of Mango as a business and by the human qualities he brought to the organisation. “His departure leaves a huge void, but all of us are, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements,” Ruiz added.
Ruiz emphasised the company’s commitment to continuing Andic’s vision. “It is up to us to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak aspired to and of which he would feel proud,” he said.
Born in Istanbul, Isak Andic emigrated with his family to Catalonia, Spain, at the age of 13 during the 1960s.
He began his entrepreneurial journey by selling T-shirts to classmates at Barcelona’s American high school. This venture evolved into a wholesale clothing business, with Andic selling garments at the Balmes Street market in Barcelona. Recognizing greater potential in retail, he opened the first Mango store in the city in 1984.
At the time of his death, Andic held the position of non-executive chairman of Mango and had an estimated net worth of $4.5 billion (£3.6 billion), according to Forbes.
