Jonathan Andic Steps Down Amid Investigation into Father’s Death
Jonathan Andic, the son of Mango’s founder Isak Andic, announced on Tuesday that he’s temporarily resigning from his role as vice-chair of the fashion brand. This decision comes after he was named a suspect in connection with his father’s death.
Isak Andic passed away in December 2024 after a fall from a cliff while hiking near Barcelona with his son. A judge stated in a legal document that there is enough evidence to suggest that Isak’s death might not have been an accident, alleging that Jonathan “played an active and premeditated role,” as reported by CBC News. Jonathan was arrested on May 19, managed to post bail around $1.16 million, and has yet to face any formal charges, according to Forbes.
In an open letter, Jonathan challenged these claims, saying, “A public narrative has been constructed that is one-sided, taken out of context and distorted, and which has created a perception of guilt that bears no relation to reality.” He added, “I know that dismantling it will require time, effort and intense dedication.”
There are claims that the relationship between father and son had soured, particularly as Jonathan’s focus shifted to financial matters. Allegedly, WhatsApp messages indicate he harbored “feelings of hatred, resentment, and thoughts of death,” attributing blame to his father for his situation.
Defending his bond with his late father, Jonathan remarked, “We shared many happy, cherished and loving moments together. Like many families, we also faced tough times, which we navigated through effort, generosity, and support,” as per CBC.
Mango’s board released a statement on Tuesday expressing unwavering support for Jonathan. They conveyed their “full confidence that the legal proceedings will resolve favorably and trust that this will happen as swiftly as possible,” according to CBC.
In January 2025, Jonathan became the executive vice-president of Mango’s holding company just weeks after his father’s passing. Isak’s estimated net worth was previously reported to be around $4 billion, and together with his sisters, Jonathan holds a 95% ownership stake in Mango. Toni Ruiz, who took over as CEO in 2020, controls the remaining 5%.
Isak Andic was 71 when he died. He moved to Catalonia in the 1960s and started Mango in 1984, positioning it as a competitor to Zara with over 2,900 stores worldwide.
