Marcel Rapold
IT Project Lead | Digital Platforms & AI Automation | EMBA
Erlenbach (Zürich), Zürich, Schweiz
IT Project Lead at Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV), responsible for advancing digital platforms, strategic IT initiatives, and AI-driven automation. Concurrently Co-Founder of ALPA.one, specialising in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network. Holds an EMBA 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-powered automation across Zürcher Verkehrsverbund.
- Responsible for the ongoing development of zvv.ch as the central digital customer touchpoint — encompassing architecture, hosting, release management, and quality assurance
- Co-responsible for platform integrations including SwissPass Login and the national public transport platform NOVA
- Cross-functional ownership of digital services across web, mobile, ticket shop, and customer account touchpoints
- Preparation of decision-making frameworks for procurement processes and vendor evaluations
- Coordination of external development partners and AI-driven workflow automation initiatives
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business-IT alignment and operational ownership of application management, ongoing development of zvv.ch, and eTicketing systems.
- Drove business-IT alignment to synchronise internal process and service management
- Translated strategic requirements into action across IT risk, security, and architecture management
- Led development coordination in a Product Owner capacity: from requirements gathering through conceptual design to testing for zvv.ch
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for new client onboarding, including the definition and measurement of relevant KPIs
- Implemented PDCA and Value Stream Mapping to streamline and optimise process workflows
- Technical project leadership in eTicketing: architecture, security, and operational requirements, as well as test management (concept, coordination, debugging, and retesting)
Mar 2018
Co-Founder | Information Officer
ALPA.one
Co-founded ALPA.one, specialising in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, with services spanning node deployment, Lightning payment systems, and custom Lightning workflows.
- Built and operated Lightning Network nodes and developed Lightning payment systems
- Designed and implemented custom Lightning workflows enabling seamless digital transactions
- Established ALPA.one as a specialist in decentralised Bitcoin infrastructure in Switzerland
May 2025 – May 2025
Lecturer for Bitcoin & Lightning Network
HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Lecturer for the Lightning Network module of the CAS Bitcoin Economy — Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive programme.
- Delivered the Lightning Network module within the CAS Bitcoin Economy at HWZ
- Taught the scaling constraints of Bitcoin Layer 1 and the mechanics of Lightning for instant payments without compromising self-custody
- Facilitated a hands-on session featuring LNHunt — a gamified Lightning scavenger hunt
- Provided forward-looking coverage of NOSTR, Taproot Assets, and other emerging technologies
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of the Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), responsible for education, legal affairs, and media relations around Bitcoin in Switzerland.
- Advanced Bitcoin adoption through public outreach and education initiatives
- Handled legal matters and served as the BAS's primary media contact
- Helped shape Switzerland's Bitcoin ecosystem through strategic networking and community development
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Advised on and implemented digital multi-channel strategies, as well as smart home and ICT multimedia solutions for enterprise clients.
- Planned and executed a digital multi-channel strategy
- Supported operational teams in integrating complex smart home solutions
- Planned and implemented ICT multimedia solutions for enterprise clients
Jan 2014 – Apr 2016
Head of Web Development
WebComTV
Led web development operations with responsibility for project management, key account management, and technical delivery of complex client projects.
- Managed projects using both agile and waterfall methodologies, including work breakdown structuring, cost estimation, and scheduling, resource, and financial planning
- Conducted requirements analysis and authored functional specifications and statements of work with defined client acceptance criteria (functional and non-functional requirements)
- Applied object-oriented analysis and design using UML; produced ERMs, class diagrams, and sequence diagrams
- Front-end development using HTML5, Bootstrap, jQuery, and CSS3, alongside PHP, JavaScript, and SQL database modelling
- Developed CMS modules for Contao, Typo3, and WordPress; created HTML5 animations using Adobe Edge
- Executed module, integration, system, and user acceptance testing
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications, and took on IT infrastructure responsibilities within a film and media production environment.
- Developed websites and iPad and Facebook applications across the full software lifecycle (requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, and documentation)
- Established and optimised post-production workflows in film production, including data storage, processing, and archiving
- Ensured data security and integrity throughout film production as Digital Imaging Technician (D-IT)
- Planned and installed technical setups for live streaming events, including integration into web applications
- Installed and configured NAS backup infrastructure and provided support for the internal SAN network
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Built and operated a service centre with end-to-end responsibility for IT consulting, network planning, and software development for private and enterprise clients.
- Planned and built bespoke PC systems and provided IT consulting for private and business clients
- Developed custom software solutions in the areas of security and networking
- Planned, developed, and configured enterprise networks and servers (Wintel and Linux)
- Delivered audio and video installations as well as corporate design services (logos, business cards, email signatures, and websites)
- Planned, conceived, and realised the corporate website for Tele Locher AG
May 2007 – Aug 2008
Service & Support Agent
Mister Q AG
Provided application and system support for Windows and Mac environments, alongside marketing support.
- Application and system support (Windows and Mac): installation and maintenance of workstations, peripherals, networks, and communication devices
- Received, pre-analysed, and advised on fault reports; maintained system documentation
- Delivered software training in business and photo editing applications
- Designed websites, newsletters, and print materials for business clients; supported the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Temporary assignment in an administrative capacity.
- Filing and archiving of business-relevant documents
- Email archiving and general administrative office tasks
Jan 2022
Information Technology Project Lead
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Leading digital platform initiatives, strategic IT projects, and AI-powered automation across Zürcher Verkehrsverbund.
- Responsible for the ongoing development of zvv.ch as the central digital customer touchpoint — encompassing architecture, hosting, release management, and quality assurance
- Co-responsible for platform integrations including SwissPass Login and the national public transport platform NOVA
- Cross-functional ownership of digital services across web, mobile, ticket shop, and customer account touchpoints
- Preparation of decision-making frameworks for procurement processes and vendor evaluations
- Coordination of external development partners and AI-driven workflow automation initiatives
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business-IT alignment and operational ownership of application management, ongoing development of zvv.ch, and eTicketing systems.
- Drove business-IT alignment to synchronise internal process and service management
- Translated strategic requirements into action across IT risk, security, and architecture management
- Led development coordination in a Product Owner capacity: from requirements gathering through conceptual design to testing for zvv.ch
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for new client onboarding, including the definition and measurement of relevant KPIs
- Implemented PDCA and Value Stream Mapping to streamline and optimise process workflows
- Technical project leadership in eTicketing: architecture, security, and operational requirements, as well as test management (concept, coordination, debugging, and retesting)
Mar 2018
Co-Founder | Information Officer
ALPA.one
Co-founded ALPA.one, specialising in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, with services spanning node deployment, Lightning payment systems, and custom Lightning workflows.
- Built and operated Lightning Network nodes and developed Lightning payment systems
- Designed and implemented custom Lightning workflows enabling seamless digital transactions
- Established ALPA.one as a specialist in decentralised Bitcoin infrastructure in Switzerland
May 2025 – May 2025
Lecturer for Bitcoin & Lightning Network
HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Lecturer for the Lightning Network module of the CAS Bitcoin Economy — Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive programme.
- Delivered the Lightning Network module within the CAS Bitcoin Economy at HWZ
- Taught the scaling constraints of Bitcoin Layer 1 and the mechanics of Lightning for instant payments without compromising self-custody
- Facilitated a hands-on session featuring LNHunt — a gamified Lightning scavenger hunt
- Provided forward-looking coverage of NOSTR, Taproot Assets, and other emerging technologies
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of the Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), responsible for education, legal affairs, and media relations around Bitcoin in Switzerland.
- Advanced Bitcoin adoption through public outreach and education initiatives
- Handled legal matters and served as the BAS's primary media contact
- Helped shape Switzerland's Bitcoin ecosystem through strategic networking and community development
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Advised on and implemented digital multi-channel strategies, as well as smart home and ICT multimedia solutions for enterprise clients.
- Planned and executed a digital multi-channel strategy
- Supported operational teams in integrating complex smart home solutions
- Planned and implemented ICT multimedia solutions for enterprise clients
Jan 2014 – Apr 2016
Head of Web Development
WebComTV
Led web development operations with responsibility for project management, key account management, and technical delivery of complex client projects.
- Managed projects using both agile and waterfall methodologies, including work breakdown structuring, cost estimation, and scheduling, resource, and financial planning
- Conducted requirements analysis and authored functional specifications and statements of work with defined client acceptance criteria (functional and non-functional requirements)
- Applied object-oriented analysis and design using UML; produced ERMs, class diagrams, and sequence diagrams
- Front-end development using HTML5, Bootstrap, jQuery, and CSS3, alongside PHP, JavaScript, and SQL database modelling
- Developed CMS modules for Contao, Typo3, and WordPress; created HTML5 animations using Adobe Edge
- Executed module, integration, system, and user acceptance testing
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications, and took on IT infrastructure responsibilities within a film and media production environment.
- Developed websites and iPad and Facebook applications across the full software lifecycle (requirements analysis, design, implementation, testing, and documentation)
- Established and optimised post-production workflows in film production, including data storage, processing, and archiving
- Ensured data security and integrity throughout film production as Digital Imaging Technician (D-IT)
- Planned and installed technical setups for live streaming events, including integration into web applications
- Installed and configured NAS backup infrastructure and provided support for the internal SAN network
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Built and operated a service centre with end-to-end responsibility for IT consulting, network planning, and software development for private and enterprise clients.
- Planned and built bespoke PC systems and provided IT consulting for private and business clients
- Developed custom software solutions in the areas of security and networking
- Planned, developed, and configured enterprise networks and servers (Wintel and Linux)
- Delivered audio and video installations as well as corporate design services (logos, business cards, email signatures, and websites)
- Planned, conceived, and realised the corporate website for Tele Locher AG
May 2007 – Aug 2008
Service & Support Agent
Mister Q AG
Provided application and system support for Windows and Mac environments, alongside marketing support.
- Application and system support (Windows and Mac): installation and maintenance of workstations, peripherals, networks, and communication devices
- Received, pre-analysed, and advised on fault reports; maintained system documentation
- Delivered software training in business and photo editing applications
- Designed websites, newsletters, and print materials for business clients; supported the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Temporary assignment in an administrative capacity.
- Filing and archiving of business-relevant documents
- Email archiving and general administrative office tasks
Education
EMBA, Executive Master of Business Administration in Management · in Management
Oct 2024 – May 2025HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Schweiz
HWZ International Management Program · in International Management
Mar 2025 – Mar 2025University of Virginia Darden School of Business
Virginia, USA
Master of Advanced Studies, Digital Business · in Digital Business
Jan 2018 – Oct 2021HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Schweiz
Certificate of Advanced Studies, Digital Finance · in Digital Finance
Jan 2019 – Nov 2019HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Schweiz
Certificate of Advanced Studies, Digital Leadership · in Digital Leadership
Jan 2018 – Feb 2019HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Schweiz
Certifications
Cloud Computing
Becoming a Thought Leader
Konfliktgespräche richtig führen
Grundlagen der Programmierung: Agile Softwareentwicklung
Grundkurs Einführung ins Projektmanagement