The death of Andic sobbedfounder of Mango, marks the end of an extraordinary life that spanned decades of effort, innovation and dedication. From his birth in Türkiye in 1953 to becoming one of the most influential businessmen in Spain, Andic traced a path that inspired both those around him and generations of entrepreneurs. His life was marked by a pioneering vision in the fashion sector, a family character and a great passion for a job well done.
From Istanbul to Barcelona: the early years of a visionary
Born into a Sephardic family, Isak Andic arrived in Barcelona in 1968 with his parents, Manuel Andic and Sol Ermay, and his brothers. At just 16 years old, he settled in Barcelona, where he continued his studies at the American High School. Despite the challenges of adapting to a new culture, the family found their forever home in Barcelona.
The arrival in Spain also marked the beginning of Andic’s connection with the world of fashion. In 1972, at just 19 years old, she began importing hand-embroidered blouses from Türkiye, selling them to small local shops. His talent for identifying trends and his ability to create solid business relationships soon allowed him to open his first store in the Balmes market in Barcelona in 1973.
The birth of Mango
In 1984, with the help of his brother Nahman and businessman Enric Casi, Isak Andic founded Mango, the brand that would forever change his life and the Spanish fashion scene. The first Mango store opened its doors on the prestigious Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona, consolidating an innovative concept: a brand that offered quality, affordable fashion designed for an international audience.
The name Mango, according to Andic, arose after a trip to the Philippines, where he tried the fruit and was delighted with its flavor and simplicity. This fresh and global spirit became a hallmark of the firm, which soon expanded throughout Spain and, starting in 1994, internationally. In a few years, Mango reached more than 100 stores in the country, and then conquered markets in Europe, America and Asia.
Mango’s business model, based on a strong franchise network and vertical integration, was one of the keys to the company’s success. Unlike other giants such as Inditex, Mango opted for collaborations with franchisees, adapting its strategy to the characteristics of each market. This approach allowed the brand to consolidate in more than 109 countries with more than 2,500 stores in 2012.
A businessman with a family soul
Despite his success, Isak Andic always maintained a discreet life focused on his family. He married Neus Raig Tarragó in the 1970s, and together they had three children: Jonathan, Judith and Sarah. Although his marriage ended after two decades, Andic remained closely linked to his children, two of whom currently work at Mango. Jonathan holds a leadership position as executive vice president and CEO, while Judith contributes to the design area. In addition, her niece Violeta Andic runs the clothing line specialized in plus sizes, Violeta by Mango.
On a personal level, Andic was known for his passions: the sea, skiing and travel. He owned the imposing Nirvana Formentera sailboat and was a regular at the Baqueira-Beret ski resort, where he enjoyed long periods of time surrounded by friends and family. He was also an art lover, with a private collection of contemporary art that he shared with his employees at Mango’s headquarters.
Recognitions and philanthropy
Isak Andic’s legacy goes beyond Mango. He was vice president of Banco Sabadell, member of the International Advisory Council of IESE and president of the Family Business Institute between 2010 and 2012. In addition, he actively participated in the Princess of Asturias and Princess of Girona foundations, showing his commitment to social and educational development in Spain.
In 2010, Andic became the second largest fortune in Spain, according to Forbes, with an estimated net worth of $4.8 billion. However, his success never made him lose his humility or focus on business responsibility. He was a declared admirer of Amancio Ortega, founder of Inditex, with whom he shared parallels and mutual respect.
The tragic end of an exemplary businessman
On December 14, 2024, Andic lost his life in a mountain accident in the Montserrat massif. While on an excursion with his wife and son in the Collbató saltpeter caves, he slipped and fell from a height of 150 meters. Although emergency services responded quickly, they were unable to save his life.
His death leaves a deep void in his family and in the fashion industry. Isak Andic was much more than a businessman: he was a visionary, a leader and a man who knew how to combine professional success with personal values.
An eternal legacy
Isak Andic’s story is an example of how perseverance and vision can transform a simple idea into a global empire. From her beginnings selling blouses at flea markets to leading one of the largest fashion chains in the world, her life is a testament to hard work and dedication.
Although he left too soon, Andic’s legacy will live on in Mango, in his family and in all those who are inspired by his example. His life reminds us that success is not only measured in numbers, but also in the positive impact we leave on those around us.
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