The most significant personalities in the country’s politics and economy,as well as in the Spanish fashion industry,expressed their dismay this Saturday at the unexpected death of <a href="https://time.news/mango-founder-isak-andic-died-in-a-mountain-accident/" title="Mango founder Isak Andic died in a mountain accident”>Isak Andic,founder and non-executive president of Mango. Everyone highlighted some fundamental aspects of his figure as an entrepreneur and friend, remembering him as an example, a visionary and a reference.
From the fashion sector and large companies, the president of Inditex, Marta Ortega, underlined that Andic’s death is sad news for all those who were lucky enough to no him and a great loss for the Spanish business world and for the sector worldwide. In both, Isak Andic marked an era with his example. Ortega also expressed his condolences to his family, friends and all those who are part of the great company he created and who, at Inditex, he deeply admires.
Tendam, the third largest group in the sector after Inditex and Mango, also expressed it’s condolences for Andic’s death, calling it deeply sad news that moves the entire sector. The company remembers Andic as one of the visionaries of the fashion industry in Spain.
“Today I lose an extraordinary and esteemed colleague. We created our companies around the same time, forty years ago, and his career and work leading Mango are exemplary.We have always had mutual admiration for sharing the challenge of starting our respective projects from scratch,and we had the shared vision of promoting barcelona fashion,innovation and creativity on a global scale; “His loss leaves a great void,” laments Thomas Meyer,founder of Desigual.
These reactions are in addition to those of Mango’s CEO,Toni Ruiz,who highlighted that Andic leaves an indelible mark thanks to his strategic vision,his inspiring leadership and his unwavering commitment to the values he himself instilled in the company. ruiz also stressed that Andic leaves a huge void, but stressed that those who are part of Mango are, in some way, his legacy and testimony to his successes.He added that his best tribute will be to ensure that Mango continues to be the project that Andic aspired to and would be proud of.
A few hours after hearing the news, the President of the Government, Pedro Sánchez, recognized the great work and entrepreneurial vision of the founder of Mango. Sánchez underlined that the entrepreneur has transformed the Spanish brand into a global fashion reference point.
The opposition leader,Alberto Núñez Feijóo,also expressed his condolences,underlining that the company is a leading Spanish business group in the textile and fashion sector at an international level. For his part,former president José María Aznar described Andic as a great businessman,friend and defender of just causes.
From the Catalan Generalitat, President Salvador Illa underlined that Andic leaves an indelible mark on the Catalan and global fashion sector. Illa was dismayed by the loss of Andic, who he described as a committed businessman who, with his leadership, contributed to making Catalonia great and projecting it into the world.
The former president of the Generalitat, Carles Puigdemont, underlined that Andic was able to anticipate and lead the creation of an international brand that maintained the personality he wanted to impress. He added that his loss will be noticed becuase people like him are not common.
Representatives of Spanish and Catalan civil society, in which Andic participated actively but discreetly at different stages of his life, also expressed their condolences. The president of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations, Antonio Garamendi, stressed that Andic’s death represents a great loss for the Spanish business world.
The Círculo de Empresarios defined Andic as an exemplary businessman, while the most important employers’ association in Catalonia, Foment del Treball, described him as a reference for the internationalization of Catalan fashion. According to Foment, he was a businessman who appreciated the country’s talent and who was a giant of Catalan entrepreneurship.
How can entrepreneurs learn from Isak Andic’s leadership style and business values?
Time.news interview: Remembering Isak Andic
Editor: Good morning and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Antonio Morales, an expert in business leadership and entrepreneurship. Together,we will reflect on the life and impact of Isak Andic,the founder of Mango,who sadly passed away recently. Welcome, Dr. Morales.
Dr. Morales: Thank you for having me. It’s an honor to discuss Isak Andic’s remarkable legacy.
Editor: Isak andic was not only the founder of a major international fashion brand but also an influential figure in the Spanish economy. What do you believe made him stand out in the competitive world of fashion?
Dr. Morales: Andic was a visionary. He had an innate ability to foresee trends and understand consumer needs,which is crucial in the fast-paced fashion industry. His approach combined creativity with strategic business acumen. Beyond that, he cultivated a culture that emphasized both innovation and integrity at Mango.
Editor: Many influential figures, including Marta Ortega, the president of Inditex, expressed their sorrow over his passing. What does this say about his relationships within the business community?
Dr. Morales: It speaks volumes. The heartfelt tributes illustrate how Andic was not just a competitor but also a friend and mentor to many in the industry. His ability to connect with people made him not just a business leader, but also a respected figure in the broader community. the loss is felt deeply because his influence extended beyond Mango to the entire fashion landscape and the Spanish economy.
Editor: Throughout his career, what fundamental values did Andic promote that other entrepreneurs can learn from?
Dr. Morales: One key value was adaptability. The fashion industry is continually evolving, and Andic’s ability to pivot and innovate, while staying true to his brand’s identity, is something that emerging entrepreneurs can aspire to. He also championed collaboration and inclusion within his teams,fostering an surroundings of creativity and respect. His legacy teaches us that success is not just about profits but also about building meaningful relationships.
Editor: In remembering Andic’s impact on the Spanish fashion industry, what do you think his passing means for the future of Mango and similar brands?
Dr. Morales: It certainly presents a challenge for Mango. Transitioning leadership after such a strong figure can be difficult. However, I believe if the company can preserve the core values and vision Andic embodied, it has the potential to thrive. The fashion industry will always have new opportunities, and if Mango continues to adapt while honoring Andic’s legacy, it can remain a leader for years to come.
Editor: Before we conclude, do you have any parting thoughts about Isak Andic’s legacy and what we can take from his life and work?
Dr. Morales: Absolutely. Isak Andic’s legacy is one of passion, innovation, and humanity. His commitment to making fashion accessible while maintaining quality is a reminder that great businesses are built on a foundation of values and vision. We should all strive to emulate his entrepreneurial spirit and his dedication to both his employees and his customers.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Morales, for sharing your insights today. Isak Andic’s contributions to the fashion industry and beyond will not be forgotten.
Dr. Morales: Thank you for the possibility to honor his memory.