Hot topics close

Spain's Mango clothing chain founder dies in accident

Spains Mango clothing chain founder dies in accident
Isak Andic founded clothing retailer Mango, one of Europe's largest fashion groups, in 1984.

Isak Andic, the founder of Spanish clothing retailer Mango, one of Europe's largest fashion groups with nearly 2,800 stores worldwide, died Saturday in an accident, the company said.

Mango New Collection Presentation at Centre Pompidou - Photocall And Party
Mango CEO Isak Andic poses during the Mango New Collection Presentation at Centre Pompidou on May 17, 2011 in Paris, France.  Photo by Foc Kan/WireImage via Getty

"It is with deep regret that we announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and founder of Mango," the Barcelona-based company's CEO, Toni Ruiz, said in a statement.

"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," he added.

The company did not provide further details about the accident. Spanish media said the 71-year-old died after falling while hiking with several members of his family near Barcelona. 

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said in a post on social media, "My condolences to the family of Isak Andic, founder of Mango, on his tragic death in an accident in the Salnitre de Collbató caves." He added, "All my love and recognition for your great work and business vision, which has turned this Spanish firm into a world leader in fashion."

Mango traces its origins to 1984, when Andic, who is of Turkish origin, opened his first shop on the Paseo de Gracia, Barcelona's famous shopping street, with the help of his older brother Nahman.

It was hugely successful. Spain had just emerged from a decades-long dictatorship that ended with the death of General Francisco Franco in 1975, and consumers were hungry for more modern clothes.

"His departure leaves a huge void, but we are all, in some way, his legacy and the testimony of his achievements. It is up to us, and this is the best tribute we can make to Isak and which we will fulfill, to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak aspired to and of which he would be proud," Ruiz said. 

Mango has consolidated its position as one of the leading international fashion groups, with a major presence in more than 120 markets and 15,500 employees worldwide, according to its website.

More from CBS News

Similar news
News Archive
  • Spain vs Brazil
    Spain vs Brazil
    Spain vs Brazil LIVE score, ESP 3-3 BRA, International friendly ...
    26 Mar 2024
    5
  • Yogi Babu
    Yogi Babu
    Yaanai Mugathaan Review: A well-intentioned Yogi Babu-starrer let ...
    26 May 2023
    1
  • Mahathir Mohamad
    Mahathir Mohamad
    Dr M: Adakah Anwar dan keluarga juga diarah jelaskan semua harta?
    17 Apr 2024
    22
  • Kobe Bryant daughter
    Kobe Bryant daughter
    Kobe Bryant wrote a tribute to his wife of almost 20 years weeks before his death: 'On this day I met my best friend'
    27 Jan 2020
    2
  • Refrigerant
    Refrigerant
    Global Low GWP Refrigerants Market Disclosing Latest Advancement 2022 to 2029 | Shandong Yueon Chemical ...
    30 May 2024
    1
This week's most popular news