Maybe It’s Something in the Water: Ace Marketer Oza Buys Big in Tribeca

In 2007, Rohan Oza was named one of New York’s Rising Stars in Crain’s 40 Under 40 list. So, it’s no surprise that just three years later—and still two years shy of his 40th birthday—the Zambia-raised, Britain-educated marketing magician has opted for a $5,272,600 tower loft in Tribeca with prime views of the New York starscape (himself excluded). Mr. Oza, who is senior vice president of marketing at Glaceau Energy Brands, bought the three-bedroom, 3.5-bathroom condo at the deluxe Artisan Lofts at 143 Reade Street in Tribeca.

Glaceau, which produces Vitamin Water and SmartWater—pioneers in the enhanced water world—must be doing something right considering the fact that the Coca-Cola Corporation bought the Queens-based company in 2007 for $4.1 billion, cash! Mr. Oza, who before joining Glaceau worked for Coca-Cola as brand manager for Sprite and Powerade, has helped Glaceau’s annual revenue skyrocket—800 percent in the five years after he joined the company in 2002—mostly due to his strategy of celebrity partnerships that have included endorsements from Tom Brady, Jennifer Aniston and 50 Cent.

A former commercial building built in 1929, 143 Reade Street was converted to loft apartments and “sensitively restored” (according to the Artisan Lofts Web site) by architecture firm BKSK with “distinctive” interiors designed by acclaimed design couple Roman and Williams. The Tower Lofts are described as “getaways for pursuing all your interests” and feature “endless river and city views,” walnut floors, 11-to-12-foot ceilings, and bath “retreats” that offer “handmade serenity, with walls and floors laid with hand-glazed and kiln-fired tiles.”

One marketing executive has said of Mr. Oza, “Rohan has become iconic in the marketing industry.” So is it so hard to believe that the Powerade Power Ranger wants an iconic abode to match?

cmalle@observer.com