Isak Andic, founding father of the Mango trend chain, dies in a cave accident

Isak Andic, the billionaire founding father of the Mango trend chain, died on Saturday in an accident whereas exploring caves close to Barcelona.

Spanish media reported that the 71-year-old died in a ravine whereas mountaineering in caves a part of a mountain vary.

Andic was along with his son and different members of the family when he fell, in line with the El Pais newspaper, triggering a big emergency response.

The Turkish-born businessman based Mango with the assistance of his brother Nahman, in Barcelona in 1984 and the chain now operates almost 3,000 factors of sale in 120 international locations. Forbes estimated Andic’s internet value at $4.5 billion (£3.6 billion).

Andic reportedly fell right into a 150-meter ravine whereas mountaineering in an space of ​​the Montserrat mountains identified for its deep caves.

Police had been referred to as round 1:00 p.m. native time (12:00 GMT), and a helicopter and a specialised mountain unit had been despatched to the scene, El Pais reported.

Mango CEO Toni Ruiz stated in an announcement: “His departure leaves an enormous void however we’re all, in a method or one other, his legacy and testimony to his achievements.

“It’s as much as us, and that is the very best tribute we are able to and can do to Isak, to make sure that Mango continues to be the challenge that Isak aspired to and could be pleased with.”

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

“All my love and recognition on your glorious work and enterprise imaginative and prescient, which has made this Spanish firm a world chief in trend,” stated Sánchez.

The president of the Catalan authorities, Salvador Illa Roca, stated he was “dismayed by this loss” and described Andic as a “dedicated businessman” who “contributed to creating Catalonia nice and projecting it on the earth.”

Andic moved to the Catalonia area of northeastern Spain within the Sixties along with his household and was non-executive chairman of the corporate when he died. Mango reported gross sales of €3.1 billion (£2.6 billion) in 2023.

He was seen as having a rivalry with Zara founder Amancio Ortega, one other Spanish trend billionaire.

The model’s reputation within the UK was boosted in 2011 when British mannequin Kate Moss was introduced because the face of Mango.