Isak Andic, founder of Mango fashion chain, dies in cave accident

Isak Andic pictured with Kate Moss at a 2011 Mango collection launch in Paris

Getty Images Isak Andic (left) pictured with Kate Moss (right) at a 2011 Mango collection launch in Paris — Isak Andic pictured with Kate Moss at a 2011 Mango collection launch in Paris

Isak Andic, the billionaire founder of high street fashion chain Mango, died in an accident on Saturday while exploring caves near Barcelona.

Spanish media reported the 71-year-old fell down a ravine to his death while hiking in caves that are part of a mountain range.

Andic was with his son and other family members when he fell, according to the El Pais newspaper, triggering a large emergency response.

The Turkish-born businessman founded Mango with the help of his brother, Nahman, in Barcelona in 1984 and the chain now operates almost 3,000 outlets in 120 countries. Forbes estimated Andic’s net worth to be $4.5bn (£3.6bn).

Andic reportedly fell down a 150-metre ravine while hiking in an area of the Montserrat mountains known for its deep caves.

Police were called at around 13:00 local time (12:00 GMT), and a helicopter and specialised mountain unit was sent to the scene, El Pais reported.

Mango CEO Toni Ruiz said in a statement: “His departure leaves a huge void but all of us are, 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 fulfil, to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Isak aspired to and of which he would feel proud.”

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed Andic died in an accident at the Salnitre de Collbató caves.

“All my love and recognition for your great work and business vision, which has turned this Spanish firm into a world leader in fashion,” Sanchez said.

Andic and his family was listed by Forbes as having wealth of $4.5bn

Getty Images Isak Andic pictured in Barcelona in March 2024 — Andic and his family was listed by Forbes as having wealth of $4.5bn

The president of Catalonia’s government, Salvador Illa Roca, said he was “dismayed by the loss” and described Andic as a “committed businessman” who “contributed to making Catalonia great and projecting it to the world”.

Andic moved to north-eastern Spain’s Catalonia region in the 1960s with his family and was a non-executive chairman of the company when he died. Mango had a turnover of €3.1bn (£2.6bn) in 2023.

He was seen as having a rivalry with Zara founder Amancio Ortega, another Spanish fashion billionaire.

The brand’s popularity in the UK was boosted in 2011 when British model Kate Moss was announced as the face of Mango.