From Selling T-Shirts to Building A $4.5 Billion Empire: Mango Founder Isak Andic Dies At 71

Isak Andic, the visionary founder of Mango, died tragically on Saturday after a fatal hiking accident in Spain. The 71-year-old billionaire slipped from a 150-metre cliff while hiking near the Montserrat caves, located close to Barcelona.

According to The Guardian, police were alerted at around 1 PM, and rescue teams, including a helicopter and a specialized mountain unit, were dispatched to the scene. Andic’s son, Jonathan Andic, was present during the accident.

Mango Founder Isak Andic Dies

As mentioned in the report by The Guardian, In a heartfelt statement, Mango CEO Toni Ruiz said, “It is with deep regret that we announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and founder of Mango, in an accident that occurred this Saturday. Isak has been an example for all of us... His departure leaves a huge void, but all of us are, in some way, his legacy.”

Who Was Isak Andic?
Born in Istanbul in 1953, Andic emigrated to Catalonia, Spain, with his family in the 1960s at the age of 13.

His entrepreneurial journey began humbly, selling T-shirts to fellow students at Barcelona’s American high school. Soon after, he ventured into the wholesale clothing business and opened his first Mango store in Barcelona in 1984.

Andic’s vision transformed Mango into a global fashion powerhouse, with a presence in over 120 countries and more than 2,100 stores worldwide. In 2023, Mango’s turnover reached €3.1 billion (£2.6 billion), with 33% of its revenue generated online, as mentioned in the report by The Guardian.

According to Forbes, Andic had a net worth of $4.5 billion at the time of his death.

A Legacy of Vision and Leadership
Under Andic’s leadership, Mango opened its first UK store in 1999 and now boasts over 60 branches across the country. By 2007, the brand had expanded to its 1,000th store globally. Andic stepped down from active management and became the non-executive chairman, while his son, Jonathan, joined the board and is seen as his likely successor.

About Mango
Mango’s journey from a single store in Barcelona to a fashion empire is a testament to Andic’s entrepreneurial spirit. Mango continues to influence global fashion under Andic’s enduring legacy. The company’s focus on affordable, high-street fashion has cemented its place as a favourite among shoppers worldwide.