Madrid:
Isak Andic, the founder of Spanish clothing retailer Mango, one of Europe’s largest fashion groups, with almost 2,800 stores worldwide, died in an accident on Saturday, the company said.
“It is with great regret that we announce the unexpected death of Isak Andic, our non-executive chairman and founder of Mango,” Toni Ruiz, CEO of the Barcelona-based company, said in a statement.
“Isak has been an example to us all. He dedicated his life to Mango and left an indelible mark through his strategic vision, his inspiring leadership and his unwavering commitment to values he himself instilled in our company,” he added to it.
The company did not provide further details about the accident. According to Spanish media, the 71-year-old died after falling while walking with several members of his family near Barcelona.
Mango traces its origins to 1984, when Andic, of Turkish descent, opened his first store on 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 clothing.
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, the website said.
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