On February 24, 2023, the Catalan Government honored renowned entrepreneur Isak Andic posthumously with the Medalla de Oro, the highest distinction awarded by the Generalitat, for his outstanding contributions to the Catalan economy and society. The award ceremony took place at the Palau de la Generalitat and was marked by emotional tributes from prominent figures including the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, and the CEO of Mango, Toni Ruiz.
Salvador Illa expressed his "deep and emotional gratitude" toward Andic, emphasizing the positive impact he had on making Catalonia thrive. This phrase captures the essence of Andic's legacy—his entrepreneurial spirit not only led to the flourishing of his brand, Mango, but also helped cultivate prosperity across the region. Illa stated, "A great country must know how to be generous and recognize those who have made it great. Today we do this with Isak Andic." He added, "It is important to recover dialogue and mutual respect between nations," underscoring Andic's international approach to business.
Isak Andic, born to a Sephardic Jewish family, emigrated to Spain at the age of 14 and opened his first store on Barcelona’s illustrious Paseo de Gracia in 1984. Over the next four decades, he transformed Mango—a brand now valued at €1.8 billion, with 2,743 stores operating across more than 120 countries. His achievements led Andic to feature prominently on Forbes' list of Spain's wealthiest individuals, with estimated assets exceeding €4.5 billion.
During the awarding ceremony, Toni Ruiz reflected on Andic's vision and commitment to improving the economic, social, and cultural fabric of Catalonia. Ruiz stated, "Andic was an authentic visionary who created a world-renowned enterprise, demonstrating how entrepreneurial success can drive societal progress." Ruiz elaborated on Andic's belief in the power of business initiatives to improve society, capturing the ethos of his entrepreneurial spirit.
The Mayor of Barcelona, Jaume Collboni, also spoke at the event, highlighting Andic's invaluable contributions to the city and region. He described Andic as "a discreet, kind, intelligent, and brilliant man," who instilled trust and commitment among colleagues and friends. "Andic contributed like few others to build a city willing to dream big and think without limits," Collboni noted.
Marc Puig, Executive Chairman of Puig and Andic's close friend, offered heartfelt remarks on the impact of Andic's death, describing it as "a punch to the stomach"—a devastating loss not just personally but for Catalonia's business community. He illustrated Andic's generosity and unassuming nature, stating, "He attributed his successes to others," exemplifying his belief in collaborative advancement.
Andic's life and legacy serve as reminders of the significant role entrepreneurs play in society. The Medalles d'Or (Gold Medals) of the Generalitat have been awarded since 1978 to recognize individuals who've provided exceptional service across various sectors, including politics, economics, and culture. Isak Andic joins esteemed company with past recipients like Joan Miró, Salvador Dalí, and Montserrat Caballé.
The ceremony was attended by various dignitaries, including members of the Catalan government, former presidents, and leaders across industries, all gathered to honor Andic's remarkable contributions and call attention to the values he embodied. Illa's remarks about preserving democratic and social values resonate with Andic's vision for Catalonia—a model of opportunity, prosperity, and solidarity.
Each speaker underscored the importance of aspiring to Andic's principles of empathy, collaboration, and resilience. They appealed to the younger generations of entrepreneurs to carry forward the spirit of innovation and generosity embodied by Andic. The evening served not just as a tribute to one man's achievements but as an inspiring call to action for the future of Catalonia.