The death of Andic sobbedfounder of Mango, in a tragic accident at the age of 71, has shocked not only the world of business and fashion, in mourning after the death of the great businessman, but the entire society. Upon his death, not only does he leave Mango’s presidency vacant, but it also leaves a void in the world of fashion, which has lost one of its global references. Not only was he one of the richest businessmen in Spain and even Europe, but he was also the founder and non-executive president of one of the most recognized fashion giants worldwide, Mango. This is what the magazine revealed Forbeswhich placed him this year as one of the five richest businessmen.
The founder of Mango was a visionary; An intelligent entrepreneur, Andik marked an era in the Spanish and European fashion industry, turning his small family business into a global ready-to-wear giant with a presence in more than 110 countries. With almost 2,700 stores around the world (specifically in 115 countries), Mango is one of the best-known clothing chains. In the absence of 2024 results, this fashion giant marked a milestone last year, obtaining a net profit of just over 170 million euros, 112% above 2022. It is easily visible that Andic, in its years At the head of the Catalan multinational, he has known how to take the firm to another level. She started at 17, when she made her first steps in the textile sector, selling some blouses imported from her native country in stores in Spain.
Isak Andic founds his first store
It was not until three years later when he founded his first store, which had nothing to do with the empire of today. It was a small establishment located in the Balmes market in Barcelona, although it later managed to expand to other parts of the city. It was in 1984, however, when he decided to abandon the multi-brand, to focus on a new concept: Mango, which that same year would see the light of day with a first point of sale on Paseo de Gràcia in the Catalan capital.
Andic’s personal life also brought happiness. In the 1970s, the businessman married Neus Raig Tarragówith whom he had three children, Jonathan, Judith y Sarahalthough the latter would take another 13 years to reach the world. At that time Mango was already consolidated, with stores in Europe and even Asia. It was in 1997, the year in which small Andic was also born, when for the first time, the volume of business generated abroad exceeded that of the Spanish market.
Throughout his career he held several important positions outside of Mango: Vice President of Banco Sabadell, Member of the International Advisory Council of IESE, the International Advisory Board of the Generalitat de Catalunya and the Investment Council for Turkey are some of them, without forgetting who has also been Patron of the Prince of Asturias Foundation.
A businessman who transformed Spanish fashion
Born in Istanbul in 1942 into a Sephardic Jewish family, Isak Andik came to Spain with his parents in search of new opportunities. From his early years, he stood out for his business acumen and his ability to identify market trends and needs. It was in 1984 when he founded Mango, a brand that would redefine the concept of accessible fashion by offering elegant and contemporary designs at competitive prices.
The businessman, who began selling t-shirts and basic clothing at flea markets, soon revolutionized the industry with a strategy based on vertical integration, allowing the company to control every stage of the process: from design to distribution. Based in Barcelona, Mango became a benchmark for globalized fast fashion, rivaling giants like Inditex.
A controversial and multifaceted personality
Known for his charisma and somewhat extravagant lifestyle, Isak Andik was widely admired and criticized in social and business circles, especially in Catalonia. He displayed his passion for sailing, even retiring briefly to tour the world on his sailboat, although he had to quickly return when the company faced difficulties under the command of his son. This episode marked a before and after in the relationship between the founder and the management team, who managed to get the brand back on track with the introduction of specific lines for men and children.
Although his private life was largely kept under wraps, his close relationships with prominent figures in Spanish high society, including members of royalty and business leaders, were known. Personal friend of the Queen Letizia and with links to other big names in fashion, Andik organized lavish events to promote himself in society and to promote Mango, rivaling other magnates in the sector, such as Alberto Palatchi of Pronovias.
Despite his success, his love life and his attempts to fully integrate into high society were not without controversy. According to various testimonies, he had romantic relationships with women from various fields, including elite athletes and businesswomen. His direct style and tendency to polarize opinions made him a figure as fascinating as he was controversial.
A business and cultural heritage
In addition to being an innovator in the field of fashion, Andik stood out as one of the largest shareholders of Banco Sabadell, reinforcing his influence on the economic fabric of Catalonia. His commitment to promoting Spanish fashion was evident in initiatives such as the Golden Needle award, which he awarded to emerging designers, and his frequent collaborations with national and international talents.
His vision transcended the business sphere, leaving a cultural impact that will last. Mango, more than a brand, became a symbol of the democratization of design, bringing style to millions of people around the world. In recent years, the company has opted for sustainability and digitalization, adapting to the demands of a constantly evolving market.
The accident that ended an era
This December 14, Isak Andik was the victim of a fatal accident, although the details have not yet been fully disclosed. The news has sparked a wave of messages of condolence from personalities in politics, fashion and business. From the Royal Family to renowned designers, many have recognized his immense contribution to the development of fashion in Spain and its impact on the global economy.
The future of Mango without its creator
Andik’s death raises questions about the future of Mango and the company’s leadership in a context of transformation. Although his son had assumed responsibilities in the management of the company, his performance has been the subject of criticism in the past, which could lead to the entry of new managers or strategic partners.
However, Isak Andik’s legacy is more than assured. From the collections that set trends to the stores that became style references, his vision is still present in every corner of the brand. Mango is, without a doubt, a testament to the passion, creativity and ingenuity of a man who started with little and managed to build a global empire.
With his death, Spain loses one of its most emblematic business figures, but his legacy will live on, reminding us that fashion is not only design, but also innovation, perseverance and vision.
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