In today’s fast-evolving industrial landscape, few voices resonate with the blend of strategic clarity, operational depth, and human-centered leadership like Ben Linke, Vice President of Industrial Products at Baker Hughes and CEO of Waygate Technologies. Leading the charge across global business units like Waygate Technologies and Process & Pipeline Services, Ben sits at the intersection of cutting-edge inspection technologies and large-scale industrial transformation.
From his early days at GE Healthcare to steering initiatives at Baker Hughes that drive inspection performance, digitalization, and operational excellence, Ben’s journey is anything but conventional. In this exclusive interview with OnestopNDT, Ben opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his path, the unseen impact of NDT on everyday life, and the bold mindset shifts the industry needs to thrive.
We explore not just the how behind his leadership, but the deeper why — what fuels his vision, the challenges he’s turning into opportunities, and his belief in calculated risk-taking as a catalyst for industry-wide innovation. Whether you’re an aspiring professional, a seasoned practitioner, or someone curious about where the future of NDT is headed, this conversation promises insights you won’t want to miss.
Welcome aboard, Ben! It’s honestly a pleasure to have you with us at OnestopNDT. Let’s rewind a bit — what’s your story? How did your path lead you to the world of NDT, and were there any surprising turns or defining moments along the way that really stuck with you?
Thank you for having me. I would say that my path to nondestructive testing (NDT) may not have been a straight line, but it has been fairly straightforward and includes multiple leadership roles that were dedicated to performance optimization, including at Baker Hughes.
I began my career at GE Healthcare, where I developed an understanding of how technology can improve lives and learned a lot about the importance of precision and reliability. From there, I moved to several industrial businesses of General Electric as part of two leadership programs, where I quickly gained expertise in the complexities of heavy industry sectors. I later transitioned into the oil and gas industry at Baker Hughes as part of the spin-off of GE Oil & Gas, where I was able to dive deeper into that part of the energy sector and gain insights into large-scale operations and critical energy infrastructure.
Currently, as Vice President of Industrial Products, I am looking after the Waygate Technologies and Process & Pipeline Services businesses as well as Flow control and Gears of Baker Hughes, which are all about industrial inspection, performance optimization and quality assurance, and, of course, nondestructive testing. This position combines my background in operations and management with the critical need for inspection in the industry.
What was it about Non-Destructive Testing that made you stay? Was it a specific challenge, a project, a mentor, or maybe just a gut feeling that this was where you were meant to be?
What truly drew me to NDT is its crucial role in making the world safer and more productive — often behind the scenes. Whether it’s ensuring the safety of airplanes, electric vehicles, or pipelines, or helping our customers worldwide improve their products and productivity. NDT is vital not only for industries but also for the everyday lives of people everywhere around the globe, even if most of them don’t realize it.
You’re leading Waygate Technologies while also steering your responsibilities at Baker Hughes — two major roles. How do you keep it all together? What’s your rhythm like on a day-to-day basis, and how do you stay focused amidst it all?
Balancing these roles requires discipline, focus, and a clear sense of priorities. At the core of everything I do is a commitment to putting the customer first, fostering continuous improvement, and investing in our people. My schedule revolves around our customers and our employees, for example, via one-on-one meetings, roundtables, and focused business reviews that meet this purpose. These interactions help ensure alignment, surface new ideas, and keep us moving forward.
Day-to-day, I prioritize staying connected with my teams and creating space for strategic thinking. It’s not always easy, but by focusing on what truly matters – our customers, our employees, and our mission – I can maintain clarity and drive results. In addition, I enjoy working with my accountable leadership team that drives the day-to-day execution in their respective areas.
What’s the bigger purpose that drives you and your team at Waygate Technologies? Beyond the tech and tools, what’s the ‘why’ behind everything you do?
Our purpose is to make the world a safer, more productive place. This goes beyond simply delivering innovative technology. It’s about improving outcomes for our customers and, in turn, their customers while also looking inward and continuously creating a better business for our employees and customers.
Every decision we make is based on this. Whether it’s developing digital solutions to enhance productivity or enabling our customers to meet their safety and compliance goals, we’re driven by the belief that what we do has a profound impact on industries and communities worldwide.
We know the NDT industry is shifting rapidly — sometimes evolving, sometimes disrupting. From where you stand, what are the most urgent or overlooked challenges we need to tackle? And how is your team stepping in to make a difference?
The most pressing challenges at the moment include the increasing shortage of skilled labor, the need to increase productivity due to cost pressures across many industry sectors, and the transformative potential of digital technologies. The labor shortage is particularly acute as skilled workers are retiring faster than we can replace them. At the same time, operators, manufacturers and asset owners are under immense pressure to increase efficiency and reduce downtime.
At Waygate Technologies, a Baker Hughes company, we are meeting these challenges by leveraging automation, digitalization and machine learning. For example, our advanced inspection solutions help our customers achieve higher productivity with fewer resources. We are also investing in training programs and partnerships to close the skills gap and ensure the next generation of NDT professionals are equipped for success.
When it comes to regulations and compliance — something most people find dry — do you see it differently? Have these rules ever sparked unexpected innovation or opened new ways of thinking?
Absolutely. Regulations provide a guiding principle and baseline for our industry, but they also serve as a catalyst for innovation. By challenging us to meet stringent standards, they push us to think creatively about how we can help our customers comply more efficiently and effectively.
Some of our most innovative solutions have emerged from the need to address regulatory requirements. These challenges force us to stay ahead of the curve and develop technologies that not only meet compliance needs but also add value to our customers’ operations.
If you had to pick one moment from your career — the kind that leaves a lasting mark — what would it be? Was it one of those 'this is tough, but worth it' kind of moments?
There were many defining moments, but one that particularly sticks in my mind is my time on the team that sold NBC Universal from General Electric to Comcast. The sheer intensity of the process, coupled with high stakes and incredibly tight deadlines, taught me invaluable lessons about perseverance, collaboration and problem-solving under pressure.
Another memorable experience was the creation of start-ups within Baker Hughes’ Subsea Services & Offshore business to diversify our offering. This was a bold move, but one that paid off as it reduced our vulnerability to our project business and demonstrated the importance of taking calculated risks to solve business challenges. And it taught me the importance of resilience and creativity in driving meaningful change in collaboration with colleagues from adjacent areas.
With all the responsibilities on your plate, how do you make space for yourself? Is there something that helps you recharge — a ritual, a habit, or even a simple joy that resets your energy?
Travel is a big part of my role, but when I’m home, I make a conscious effort to prioritize family time. Doing school drop-offs and pick-ups, spending quality time with my wife and daughter – these moments ground me and bring balance to my life.
I also enjoy 10k runs on weekends. Running is a great way to clear my mind, stay physically active, and reflect on the week. And, of course, watching my hometown football team is a simple joy that never fails to recharge me.
Outside of boardrooms and strategies, what lights you up? What’s something most people might not guess about you — a hobby, a passion, or a weekend escape that brings you joy?
Without a doubt, my daughter is my greatest source of joy. Seeing her embracing life with curiosity, kindness, and enthusiasm is inspiring. She sees beauty in every new experience, and her caring nature inspires me to appreciate life's simple, meaningful moments.
Beyond that, I truly cherish spending quality time with my family and friends in Portugal. It’s our special place to unwind, reconnect, and create lasting memories. Whether we're enjoying the scenery, exploring the culture, or simply relaxing, those moments recharge me and remind me of what matters most.
There’s been a lot of buzz lately around mergers and acquisitions in the NDT world. Do you see this as a natural evolution, or do you worry it might limit the diversity of ideas and innovation in the long run?
Mergers and acquisitions are a natural evolution in a fragmented industry like ours. Many niche players offer excellent solutions, but customers increasingly need integrated solutions that address their broader challenges. Partnerships and M&A can help achieve this by bringing complementary capabilities together.
For someone just starting out in NDT — or even eyeing a leadership role one day, what’s the one piece of advice you wish someone gave you early on?
Be curious and never stop learning. The NDT field is vast and constantly evolving, so there’s always something new to discover. Don’t shy away from challenges; take the difficult path and push yourself to grow.
Most importantly, focus on adding value. Whether it’s through innovative solutions or simply doing your job exceptionally well, strive to make a positive impact on the industry.
Let’s fast forward. Five or ten years down the line, how do you imagine the NDT space evolving? And what role do you see Waygate Technologies and Baker Hughes playing in shaping that future?
Digitalization and automation will undoubtedly play a massive role in the future of NDT. The focus will shift from individual tools to comprehensive solutions that address customers’ productivity and yield challenges.
Waygate Technologies is uniquely positioned to lead this transformation. By combining advanced technologies with strategic partnerships, we aim to deliver integrated solutions that redefine what’s possible in NDT and set new benchmarks for the industry.
If we as an industry want to truly progress — not just in technology, but in mindset — what’s one thing you believe we all need to get better at?
As an industry, we must embrace a greater willingness to take risks and cultivate a deeper sense of curiosity. All too often, we are overly risk-averse, which slows the adoption of new innovations and limits our ability to push boundaries. Progress requires stepping out of our comfort zones, challenging conventional thinking, and exploring creative solutions to complex problems.
Fostering a mindset that values experimentation and learning from failure can accelerate innovation and unlock the full potential of NDT.
Lastly, as someone who's seen this industry from multiple angles, we’d love to know what you think of OnestopNDT. Do you feel we’re moving the needle when it comes to connecting the community and sharing stories that matter?
OnestopNDT is a comparatively young trade platform and is doing a great job of fostering connections and dialogue within the industry. By sharing stories that matter and highlighting diverse perspectives, you are helping to build a stronger, more informed community. Keep up the good work!
