Isak Andic, the curious businessman

More than two months after the death of Mango founder Isak Andic in a tragic accident in the Collbató caves, the Catalan business world is still in shock over his loss. Since 14 December, there has not been a business event in which Andic's name is not used as an example of entrepreneurship, commitment and a job well done. A recognition that has materialised again this Monday, with the presentation by the president of Catalonia, Salvador Illa, of the Gold Medal of the Generalitat posthumously to Isak Andic; it is the highest honour in the country.

The event, held in the San Jorge Hall of the Palace of the Generalitat, packed to the rafters with family and friends of Andic and political and business figures, was attended by, in addition to Isla, the president of Puig, Marc Puig; the mayor of Barcelona, ​​​​Jaume Collboni; and Andic's successor at Mango, the new president and CEO, Toni Ruiz, who received the medal.

"I am addressing these words to you with a heavy heart," Ruiz acknowledged. "I am also speaking on behalf of the family, who have asked me to represent them at this event today," he said. "Since his arrival in the late 1960s, Isak made Barcelona and Catalonia his city and country. Throughout his life he maintained a commitment to the social and economic fabric of Catalonia, with the desire to create wealth and foster the entrepreneurial spirit," Ruiz said. He added: "Beyond his business achievements, what defined Isak was his empathy, humility, determination [...] and his permanent curiosity, a reflection of a creative personality that made enthusiasm an attitude in life."

Roots and commitment

Andic was a discreet man, but since his transfer, those who knew him have highlighted his endless curiosity and commitment to his work and to the country that welcomed him. "Isak had a keen eye, he was extremely attentive to everything around him, a curiosity and an innate ability to recognise what is beautiful in the aesthetics of things," said his friend Marc Puig.

Illa also stressed that Andic's career is "one of the most prosperous life and business careers for Catalonia, Spain and Europe". "It is an example of how people from outside make the country greater", he said.

Among those attending were the President of the Parliament, Josep Rull; the former Presidents of the Generalitat, Jordi Pujol and José Montilla; the President of Fomento, Josep Sánchez Llibre; the President of Pimec, Antoni Cañete; the President of Fira de Barcelona, ​​​​Pau Relat; the President of the Chamber, Josep Santacreu; the President of Banc Sabadell, Josep Oliu; the President of Aena, Mauricio Lucena; the publicist Lluís Bassat and the sculptor Jaume Plensa, among others. The vast majority, in addition to the positions they represent, were friends of the founder of Mango during his lifetime.