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New York, NY—Martin Thomas Gatins, 61, senior vice president of Cartier North America, died May 41 following a five-year battle with leukemia. Gatins joined Cartier in 1996, and quickly rose to the ranks of executive. He is credited with helping boost Cartier’s success as a luxury retailer, and he also was an active and committed member of the U.S. jewelry and watch industry.

A native of Paris, France, Gatins was raised in Atlanta, GA, and graduated from the University of Tennesee with a degree in business administration. His business career included, as well as Cartier, stints in the chemical, textile, and cut-flower industries.

Gatins was noted for his philanthropy, both in and out of the jewelry industry. He was a former president of the American Watch Association, a member of the prestigious 24 Karat Club of the City of New York, and, as co-chair, was instrumental in the creation and development of the Jewelry Information Center’s annual Gem Awards. Outside the industry, he was chairman of the advisory committee of the Katherine John Murphy Foundation and dedicated himself to numerous other charitable organizations.

Gatins is survived by his wife, Dianne Clark Gatins, four children, Phillip, Audrey, Jeanette, and John, a daughter-in-law, and several grandchildren.

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