Leading the Shift: A Q&A with Gwen Kroezen on the Future of Imaging

Gwen Kroezen is General Manager of the Film & Digital Imaging product line covering Field Radiography, Digital Radiography as well as Industrial Film solutions in Waygate Technologies, a Baker Hughes business. Gwen steps into this role at a pivotal moment, as – considering the transition from traditional film-based radiography to advanced digital imaging – the NDT industry has been accelerating its transformation.
We spoke with Gwen about her personal journey and what this transformation means for the industry. 

Gwen, what led you to your current role?

Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across several areas, from emissions management to global inspection programs, and each role has helped me build a broader perspective. Most recently, I led Operations and Continuous Improvement for the Film & Digital Imaging unit at Waygate Technologies, which gave me a deep understanding of our team, our customers and the challenges we face. That experience has been invaluable in preparing me to lead this business into its next phase. My experience leading operations and supply chain teams has given me a deep understanding of the importance of customer delivery accuracy, a strong focus on quality, and the critical dependencies on our services.

What are your immediate priorities today?

My focus is on supporting our customers through the transition from traditional film to digital imaging. This is a major shift in how inspections are performed and it’s not just about adopting new technology. It’s about rethinking workflows, training and how we deliver value. We also have several key projects underway that are aimed at modernizing our portfolio and expanding our digital capabilities. Getting this right will set the foundation for long-term success. I’m also aware that we face key challenges in our service deliveries, and I’m committed to restoring the high service levels our customers have come to expect from us. We are actively addressing these challenges with urgency and transparency, and I’m confident that with the dedication of our teams, we will not only meet expectations but exceed them. Our customers deserve nothing less than excellence and we’re determined to deliver just that.

Why is the shift from film to digital imaging so significant in non-destructive testing?

Digital imaging brings a lot of advantages: faster results, better image quality, easier data storage and sharing and a more sustainable footprint. The digital acquisition of data unlocks a powerful suite of automation and machine learning capabilities that directly address one of the industry's most pressing challenges: the shortage of qualified testing personnel. Innovations such as quality filters and assisted ADR (Automated Defect Recognition) not only boost productivity but also broaden the talent pool by enabling new types of workers to contribute effectively in the field. As we transition from Film to Digital, we’re not just changing formats—we’re reshaping the future of NDT by making it smarter, faster, and more inclusive. Many of our customers have relied on film for decades and we want to make sure they feel supported as they move into the digital space. Our role is to make that transition as smooth and beneficial as possible.

What’s your long-term vision for the Film & Digital Imaging unit?

I see us becoming trusted partners in the digital transformation. Not just as a hardware technology provider but as a partner our customers can rely on to find a solution. That means continuing to innovate, expanding our digital solutions, and strengthening our partnerships. And that means also with our trusted partner Agfa. Our partnership with Agfa is a great example of how collaboration can drive innovation. Their expertise in imaging, combined with our application knowledge and global reach, allows us to deliver solutions that are both reliable and forward-looking. It’s a relationship built on trust and shared goals, and I’m excited to see how we can continue to grow together. We want to be known for helping customers make smarter, safer decisions through imaging — whether they’re just starting their digital journey or looking to optimize it further.

Regarding diversity in the NDT industry, what impact have women had in your view?

Women have brought fresh perspectives, resilience, and leadership to NDT. Whether in research, fieldwork, or strategy, their contributions are helping redefine what excellence looks like in our industry. It’s inspiring to see women leading advancements in areas like digital radiography, software platform development and machine learning applications. One standout example is Soumya Sisupalan, our Senior Director of Software Engineering, whose leadership is driving innovation across inspection platforms. Her work is helping shape smarter, more automated solutions that are transforming how we deliver quality and efficiency to our customers. This is a powerful reminder that diversity fuels innovation and that the future of NDT is being built by inclusive, forward-thinking teams.

What advice would you give to women stepping into leadership roles?

Own your voice and lead with authenticity. Leadership isn’t about fitting into a mold — it’s about bringing your unique perspective to the table and creating space for others to do the same. Build strong networks, stay open to learning, and don’t be afraid to make bold decisions. Most importantly, support other women along the way. We rise by lifting each other.