Friction One Brake Technology has hired Nate Kinkley as Director of Product Development for pad and rotor programs. Kinkley will lead new part number creation and coverage expansion at the Santa Fe Springs, California-based company. He joins from Brake Parts Inc., where he served as Product Director.
Highlights
- Friction One appointed Nate Kinkley as Director of Product Development, Pad/Rotor
- Kinkley previously served as Product Director at Brake Parts Inc., leading aftermarket and OES product launches
- He brings extensive experience in brake portfolio management across the full product lifecycle
- At BPI, he led a distribution relocation and consolidation project that delivered tens of millions in annual savings
Career Background
Kinkley built his career managing complex brake product portfolios at Brake Parts Inc. He led cross-functional teams spanning product development, catalog, marketing, logistics, sales, finance, IT, and supply chain operations.
In his most recent role as Product Director, Kinkley oversaw major aftermarket and OES launches for both domestic and import manufacturers. His responsibilities included testing, validation, drawing approvals, PPAP, forecasting, and regulatory filings across multiple product lines.
Operational Track Record
Beyond product launches, Kinkley managed a large-scale distribution relocation and product consolidation initiative. That project delivered tens of millions in annual savings. He also led B2B and private-label program execution for the company.
“The strategic vision and vertically integrated foundation Friction One is establishing align closely with my own perspective on how the market can be most effectively advanced,” Kinkley said. “I am honored to join the organization and contribute my experience to the significant opportunities that lie ahead.”
Strategic Fit
Friction One is positioning itself for growth in the global aftermarket brake segment. The addition of Kinkley signals a focus on accelerating SKU coverage and strengthening product development capabilities. His background in full-lifecycle brake portfolio management aligns with the company’s expansion goals.
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