MADRID – Mr Jonathan Andic, son of Mango founder Isak Andic, said on May 26 he was stepping down “momentarily” as the fashion group’s vice-chair after being named a suspect in a probe into his father’s death, while strongly asserting his innocence.
“The attention and focus that my defence in the judicial process currently requires do not allow me to maintain the high level of commitment demanded by my role at the company,” Mr Andic said in a letter in Spanish published by news agency EFE.
Mr Andic, who co-owns the Spanish fashion retailer with his two siblings, was arrested last week for questioning over the death of his 71-year-old billionaire father in December 2024.
The two were on a hike together outside of Barcelona when Isak fell more than 100m from a cliff.
The judge’s writ said there was sufficient evidence to suggest the death may not have been accidental, and that Mr Andic “played an active and premeditated role”.
In his letter, Mr Andic described his father’s death as a devastating personal loss, and said he had since been forced to live under what he called an “unfounded and deeply unjust accusation”.
“A public narrative has been created based on a view that is biased, distorted and taken out of context, which has created a perception of guilt that has nothing to do with reality,” Mr Andic, 45, said.
“As happens to so many families”, he and his father “have gone through difficult and complex moments, which we overcame with great effort, generosity and support”, he said.
“We have the full support and long-term vision of our shareholders, a clear, distinctive strategy and a corporate governance model aligned with the highest standards,” CEO and chairman Toni Ruiz said in remarks to staff, relayed by his communications team. REUTERS
