Mango Founder’s Family Speaks of Son’s Innocence

As the investigation into the death of Mango founder Isak Andic continues, the Andic family said they are confident that the process will be concluded as soon as possible and that his son Jonathan’s innocence will be confirmed.

Local media reports in Spain said that Jonathan Andic, 44, was being investigated for a possible homicide.

Isak Andic, 71, was non-executive chairman of the fast-fashion company when he died in December after falling more than 300 feet from a cliff in the Montserrat caves near Barcelona, in Catalunya, Spain. The fatality happened during an excursion with his family.

Media requests to Spanish police officials were not returned Friday.

After his passing, the incident was described as an accident. The investigation into Andic’s death was reportedly reopened in March.

Andic was saluted by many including Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who praised his “great work and business vision, which transformed his Spanish brand in a global point of reference in fashion” in a post on X.

The Spanish fast-fashion retailer has more than 15,500 employees, operates some 2,800 stores in more than 120 markets worldwide and has major online activity. The international business accounts for nearly 80 percent of turnover. Mango’s revenues in 2024 amounted to 3.34 billion euros, a 7.6 percent increase compared to 2023.

Andic started Mango, which now sells womenswear, menswear, kids’ wear and a home collection, in 1984. The first location was on Paseo de Gracia in Barcelona, Mango’s home city. In 1992, the company expanded outside of Spain with two outposts in Portugal. Media-shy and reserved, Andic’s net worth was said to be $4.5 billion, according to Forbes. After his passing, Mango’s chief executive officer Roni Ruiz took on the role of chairman of the board.  

Executives at Mango declined to comment Friday about the investigation. Laia Codina, a Mango corporate affairs spokesperson, referred to a statement that had been issued by a spokesperson for the Andic family.

The statement read, “The Andic family has not commented and will not comment on Isak Andic’s passing during these months. However, it would like to show its respect for the proceedings that have been carried out in this regard and will continue to cooperate with the competent authorities as they have done so far.”

The statement continued, “They are also confident that this process will be concluded as soon as possible and that Jonathan Andic’s innocence will be confirmed.”

Asked if Jonathan Andic will continue to serve on the Mango board, Codina did not respond.

In June, the 44-year-old Andic stepped away from his executive responsibilities at the multinational fashion company to reportedly take on more responsibilities within the Andic family’s holding companies, which control the family’s real estate and business holdings. That reportedly includes Mango MNG Holding, which controls 95 percent of Mango’s capital.

On Friday, a Reuters report noted that La Vanguardia newspaper said late Thursday that the judge looking into Isak Andic’s death began officially investigating Jonathan in September, due to contradictory statements that he had given as a witness. But the Barcelona court’s press office said on Friday that the case, which remains sealed, was not directed at any particular individual, according to Reuters.

In honor of Mango’s 40-year anniversary last year, the company expanded its board from four to nine members, including independent directors for the first time. The brand also revealed a two-year strategic expansion plan that called for 500 store openings.

During Isak Andic’s career, he held numerous positions such as member of the International Advisory Board of the IESE Business School, vice chairman of Banco Sabadell and member of the International Advisory Board of the Generalitat de Catalunya, the Investment Advisory Council for Turkey, and the Friends of the Prado Museum Foundation. In addition, he was chairman of Family Business Institute from 2010 until April 2012, and patron of the MACBA Foundation, the Princess of Asturias Foundation, the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya and the Elena Barraquer Foundation.