Marcel Rapold
IT Project Lead | Digital Platforms & AI Automation | EMBA
Zürich, Switzerland
IT Project Lead at Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV, responsible for the evolution of zvv.ch and AI-enabled automation across digital platform initiatives. Co-Founder of ALPA.one, specializing in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, and Lecturer at HWZ for Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive program. Holds an EMBA and MAS in Digital Business from HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich.
Professional Experience
Jan 2022
Information Technology Project Lead
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Leading digital platform initiatives, strategic IT projects and AI-enabled automation within ZVV.
- Responsible for the evolution of zvv.ch as ZVV's central digital customer interface across architecture, hosting, release management and quality assurance
- Contributed to major platform integrations including SwissPass login and the national NOVA public transport platform
- Co-responsible for digital services across web, mobile, ticket shop and customer account touchpoints
- Prepared procurement-related decision bases and supplier evaluations
- Coordinated external development partners and AI-enabled workflow automation initiatives
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business IT alignment and strategic IT governance across web and eTicketing platforms at ZVV.
- Business IT alignment for internal synchronization of process and service management
- Implementation of strategic requirements regarding IT risk, security and architecture management
- Budget and contract responsibility for operation and further development of zvv.ch
- Product owner role for web coordination: demand clarification, conception and testing
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for onboarding; defined and measured KPIs via PDCA and value stream mapping
- Technical project manager for eTicketing: architecture, security, test management and performance monitoring
Mar 2018
Co-Founder | Information Officer
ALPA.one
Co-founded Bitcoin and Lightning Network venture specializing in node deployment, payment systems and custom Lightning workflows.
- Specializes in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network under the brand ΛLPA — Bitcoin at Core, Lightning at Heart
- Offers Lightning Network Node Deployment, Lightning Payment Systems, and Custom Lightning Workflows
- Builds infrastructure for seamless digital transactions on the Bitcoin Lightning Network
- Active contributor to the Swiss Bitcoin and Lightning ecosystem
May 2025 – May 2025
Lecturer for Bitcoin & Lightning Network
HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Taught the Lightning Network module in Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive program, the CAS Bitcoin Economy at HWZ.
- Delivered the Lightning Network module within the CAS Bitcoin Economy — Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive program
- Covered Bitcoin Layer 1 scalability limitations, Lightning's instant payment architecture, and sovereignty trade-offs
- Taught practical wallet, node, and routing market mechanics
- Ran a hands-on gamified Lightning scavenger hunt session (LNHunt)
- Included a future outlook on NOSTR, Taproot Assets and next-generation Bitcoin protocols
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of the Bitcoin Association Switzerland, focused on public education, legal challenges and media liaison for Bitcoin adoption.
- Served on the board of the Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), a hub for Bitcoin adoption in Switzerland
- Contributed to public education initiatives and legal challenge navigation
- Acted as media liaison to advance Bitcoin understanding and ecosystem development in Switzerland
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Drove digital multi-channel strategy and ICT solution delivery for corporate clients.
- Planning and execution of a digital multi-channel strategy
- Supported operative business in integration of Smart Home solutions
- Planning and implementation of ICT multimedia solutions for corporate clients
Jan 2014 – Apr 2016
Head of Web Development
WebComTV
Led web development projects combining agile/waterfall project management, requirements engineering and full-stack programming.
- Project management using agile and waterfall methods: structural planning, cost estimates, schedule, resource and financial planning
- Key account management including requirements capture, proposal presentation and social media concept development
- Business analysis for complex customer projects; authored specifications with clearly defined functional and non-functional acceptance criteria
- Object-oriented analysis and design using UML; created ERM, class and sequence diagrams
- Full-stack programming: HTML5/Bootstrap, jQuery, CSS3, JavaScript, PHP, SQL; CMS module development for Contao, Typo3 and WordPress
- Executed module, integration, system and user acceptance tests
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Developed web, iPad and Facebook applications and managed D-IT workflows for film production clients.
- Development of websites, iPad and Facebook applications across the full SW lifecycle: requirements capture, design, implementation, testing and documentation
- Defined new functions with customers for websites and implemented them
- Post-production workflow creation and optimization in film production
- Data storage, processing and archiving workflow optimizations; ensured data security and integrity during film production (D-IT)
- Technical planning and installation of LiveStreaming events including web application integration
- Installed and configured NAS backup infrastructure; supported internal SAN network and tape library backup
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Managed IT service center operations covering PC systems, network planning, server configuration and corporate design.
- Planning and construction of individual PC systems; IT consulting for private and corporate clients
- Development of customer-specific software solutions in security and networking
- Planning and development of company networks; installation and configuration of servers (Wintel, Linux)
- Audio and video installations; corporate design (logos, v-cards, signatures, web pages)
- Planned, conceived and realised the company website of Tele Locher AG
May 2007 – Aug 2008
Service & Support Agent
Mister Q AG
Application and system support for Windows and Mac environments with additional marketing and web design responsibilities.
- Application and system support for Windows and Mac; installation and maintenance of workstations, peripherals, networks and communication devices
- Receipt, preliminary analysis and fault triage; software training in business and photo software
- Maintained system documentation for supported systems
- Designed websites, newsletters and print products for corporate customers; supported the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Short-term administrative placement at Baker & McKenzie.
- Filing and archiving of business-relevant documents
- E-mail archiving and general administrative office work
Jan 2022
Information Technology Project Lead
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Leading digital platform initiatives, strategic IT projects and AI-enabled automation within ZVV.
- Responsible for the evolution of zvv.ch as ZVV's central digital customer interface across architecture, hosting, release management and quality assurance
- Contributed to major platform integrations including SwissPass login and the national NOVA public transport platform
- Co-responsible for digital services across web, mobile, ticket shop and customer account touchpoints
- Prepared procurement-related decision bases and supplier evaluations
- Coordinated external development partners and AI-enabled workflow automation initiatives
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business IT alignment and strategic IT governance across web and eTicketing platforms at ZVV.
- Business IT alignment for internal synchronization of process and service management
- Implementation of strategic requirements regarding IT risk, security and architecture management
- Budget and contract responsibility for operation and further development of zvv.ch
- Product owner role for web coordination: demand clarification, conception and testing
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for onboarding; defined and measured KPIs via PDCA and value stream mapping
- Technical project manager for eTicketing: architecture, security, test management and performance monitoring
Mar 2018
Co-Founder | Information Officer
ALPA.one
Co-founded Bitcoin and Lightning Network venture specializing in node deployment, payment systems and custom Lightning workflows.
- Specializes in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network under the brand ΛLPA — Bitcoin at Core, Lightning at Heart
- Offers Lightning Network Node Deployment, Lightning Payment Systems, and Custom Lightning Workflows
- Builds infrastructure for seamless digital transactions on the Bitcoin Lightning Network
- Active contributor to the Swiss Bitcoin and Lightning ecosystem
May 2025 – May 2025
Lecturer for Bitcoin & Lightning Network
HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Taught the Lightning Network module in Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive program, the CAS Bitcoin Economy at HWZ.
- Delivered the Lightning Network module within the CAS Bitcoin Economy — Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive program
- Covered Bitcoin Layer 1 scalability limitations, Lightning's instant payment architecture, and sovereignty trade-offs
- Taught practical wallet, node, and routing market mechanics
- Ran a hands-on gamified Lightning scavenger hunt session (LNHunt)
- Included a future outlook on NOSTR, Taproot Assets and next-generation Bitcoin protocols
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of the Bitcoin Association Switzerland, focused on public education, legal challenges and media liaison for Bitcoin adoption.
- Served on the board of the Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), a hub for Bitcoin adoption in Switzerland
- Contributed to public education initiatives and legal challenge navigation
- Acted as media liaison to advance Bitcoin understanding and ecosystem development in Switzerland
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Drove digital multi-channel strategy and ICT solution delivery for corporate clients.
- Planning and execution of a digital multi-channel strategy
- Supported operative business in integration of Smart Home solutions
- Planning and implementation of ICT multimedia solutions for corporate clients
Jan 2014 – Apr 2016
Head of Web Development
WebComTV
Led web development projects combining agile/waterfall project management, requirements engineering and full-stack programming.
- Project management using agile and waterfall methods: structural planning, cost estimates, schedule, resource and financial planning
- Key account management including requirements capture, proposal presentation and social media concept development
- Business analysis for complex customer projects; authored specifications with clearly defined functional and non-functional acceptance criteria
- Object-oriented analysis and design using UML; created ERM, class and sequence diagrams
- Full-stack programming: HTML5/Bootstrap, jQuery, CSS3, JavaScript, PHP, SQL; CMS module development for Contao, Typo3 and WordPress
- Executed module, integration, system and user acceptance tests
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Developed web, iPad and Facebook applications and managed D-IT workflows for film production clients.
- Development of websites, iPad and Facebook applications across the full SW lifecycle: requirements capture, design, implementation, testing and documentation
- Defined new functions with customers for websites and implemented them
- Post-production workflow creation and optimization in film production
- Data storage, processing and archiving workflow optimizations; ensured data security and integrity during film production (D-IT)
- Technical planning and installation of LiveStreaming events including web application integration
- Installed and configured NAS backup infrastructure; supported internal SAN network and tape library backup
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Managed IT service center operations covering PC systems, network planning, server configuration and corporate design.
- Planning and construction of individual PC systems; IT consulting for private and corporate clients
- Development of customer-specific software solutions in security and networking
- Planning and development of company networks; installation and configuration of servers (Wintel, Linux)
- Audio and video installations; corporate design (logos, v-cards, signatures, web pages)
- Planned, conceived and realised the company website of Tele Locher AG
May 2007 – Aug 2008
Service & Support Agent
Mister Q AG
Application and system support for Windows and Mac environments with additional marketing and web design responsibilities.
- Application and system support for Windows and Mac; installation and maintenance of workstations, peripherals, networks and communication devices
- Receipt, preliminary analysis and fault triage; software training in business and photo software
- Maintained system documentation for supported systems
- Designed websites, newsletters and print products for corporate customers; supported the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Short-term administrative placement at Baker & McKenzie.
- Filing and archiving of business-relevant documents
- E-mail archiving and general administrative office work
Education
EMBA — Executive Master of Business Administration in Management · in Management
Oct 2024 – May 2025HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland · Six strategic clusters: Dealing with the Unknown Future, Utilizing New Technologies, Crafting Strategic Power, Developing Organizational Capabilities, Strengthening Leadership, Outperforming in Marketing & CRM.
HWZ International Management Program · in Strategic Management
Mar 2025 – Mar 2025University of Virginia Darden School of Business
Charlottesville, VA, USA · Intensive case-based program covering strategic challenges of globally leading companies including Porsche, Netflix, Unilever and Merck.
Master of Advanced Studies (MAS) in Digital Business · in Digital Business
Jan 2018 – Oct 2021HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland · Strategic design of digital transformations at enterprise and leadership level.
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Digital Finance · in Digital Finance / Blockchain
Jan 2019 – Nov 2019HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland · Focus on Blockchain-based innovation and transformation of financial value chains: Bitcoin Lightning Network, digital payment infrastructure, tokenized assets, data-driven business models and FinTech regulation.
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Digital Leadership · in Digital Leadership
Jan 2018 – Feb 2019HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland · Competencies in platform strategies, digital business models, agile organizations, data thinking and transformation leadership.
Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in Disruptive Technologies · in Disruptive Technologies
Jan 2017 – Feb 2018HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland · Topics: Big Data & Data Science, Swarm Intelligence, Digital Security, Wearable Technologies, Quantum Computing, 3D Printing, Innovation and Creativity Management.
Business Data Processing Specialist with Bachelor Degree (dipl. Wirtschaftsinformatiker HF) · in Business Informatics
Jan 2013 – Jan 2016ipso Bildung
Zürich, Switzerland · Integrated technology and business thinking: analysis, design and implementation of digital solutions across marketing, production, HR and sales processes.
Certifications
Certified Crypto Finance Expert (CCFE)
CCFE — Certified Crypto Finance Expert
IREB Requirements Engineering
IREB GmbH
IBAE Business Analyst
International Business Analyst Education
Business English Certificate B2
Cambridge Assessment English
Cloud Computing
EXIN your ICT competence partner
Win11 & Office 365 — Basisschulung für Anwender (ZVV enterprise rollout)
Digicomp Academy
Compliance eLearning für Kader- und Führungskräfte
Volkswirtschaftsdirektion Kanton Zürich
Blockchain Basics
Digital Transformation
Digitale Transformation im Unternehmen
Projektmanagement: Planung und Strukturierung
Projektmanagement: Initiierung und Setup
Einführung ins Projektmanagement
Berufsbild: Projektmanagement
Grundlagen der Programmierung: Agile Softwareentwicklung Grundkurs
Becoming a Thought Leader
Konfliktgespräche richtig führen
Rede, Vortrag, Präsentation: Die magische erste Minute
Das 80/20-Prinzip
GoodHabitz
Leadership
GoodHabitz