Marcel Rapold
IT Project Lead | Digital Platforms & AI Automation | EMBA
Erlenbach (Zürich), Zürich, Schweiz
IT Project Lead at Zürcher Verkehrsverbund (ZVV), responsible for digital platform strategy, hosting architecture, and AI-driven automation initiatives. Concurrently Co-Founder of ALPA.one, specialising in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, and Lecturer at HWZ. Holds an EMBA in Management 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 programmes within ZVV.
- Owns the ongoing development of zvv.ch as the central digital customer portal — encompassing architecture, hosting, release management, and quality assurance
- Played a key role in major platform integrations, including SwissPass Login and the national NOVA platform for public transport
- Shares responsibility for digital services across the Web, Mobile, Ticket Shop, and Customer Account touchpoints
- Prepares procurement decision papers and supplier evaluations
- Coordinates external development partners and drives AI-powered workflow automation initiatives
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business-IT alignment, operations, and strategic advancement of ZVV's digital platforms.
- Drove Business-IT alignment to synchronise internal process and service management
- Translated strategic requirements into action across IT risk, security, and architecture management
- Operated and continuously developed zvv.ch — steering development in a Product Owner capacity from requirements clarification through concept design to testing
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for new client onboarding; defined and tracked KPIs
- Introduced PDCA cycles and Value Stream Mapping to optimise processes
- Provided technical project leadership in eTicketing: defined architecture, security, and operational requirements, and managed end-to-end test management including concept design, coordination, and supplier debugging
Mar 2018
Co-Founder | Information Officer
ALPA.one
Co-founded ALPA.one, specialising in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, offering services in node deployment, Lightning payment systems, and bespoke Lightning workflows.
- Built and operated Lightning Network nodes for clients
- Developed and implemented Lightning payment systems enabling seamless digital transactions
- Designed and delivered custom Lightning workflows
- Held full ownership of the company's information and technology strategy
May 2025 – May 2025
Lecturer for Bitcoin & Lightning Network
HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Delivered the Lightning Network module within Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive programme (CAS Bitcoin Economy) at HWZ.
- Taught the fundamentals of the Lightning Network: why Layer 1 alone does not scale and how Lightning enables sovereign instant payments
- Delivered hands-on sessions using real wallets, nodes, and routing markets
- Ran LNHunt — a gamified Lightning scavenger hunt as an interactive practical exercise
- Provided an outlook on future developments including NOSTR, Taproot Assets, and further protocol innovations
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), focusing on Bitcoin adoption, public affairs, and legal matters.
- Advanced Bitcoin adoption in Switzerland through educational initiatives and public outreach
- Addressed legal challenges related to Bitcoin at the national level
- Served as media spokesperson for Bitcoin-related topics in Switzerland
- Contributed to shaping the association's strategic direction to strengthen the Bitcoin ecosystem
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Advised on and implemented digital multi-channel strategies, and integrated Smart Home and ICT multimedia solutions for corporate clients.
- Planned and executed a digital multi-channel strategy
- Supported day-to-day business operations in the integration of 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 the technical delivery of complex client projects.
- Managed projects using both agile and waterfall methodologies, including work breakdown structures, cost estimation, and scheduling, resource, and financial planning
- Identified, assessed, and mitigated risks throughout the project lifecycle
- Conducted business analysis for complex client projects; authored functional specifications and requirements documents with defined acceptance criteria (functional and non-functional)
- Produced application and system architectures, UML diagrams (ERM, class and sequence diagrams), prototypes, and proofs of concept
- Developed front-end solutions using HTML5, Bootstrap, jQuery, and CSS3; applied OOP principles in JavaScript and PHP; modelled SQL databases
- Programmed CMS modules for Contao, Typo3, and WordPress; created HTML5 animations using Adobe Edge
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Developed websites, iPad and Facebook applications, and managed post-production workflows in film production.
- Delivered websites, iPad apps, and Facebook applications across the full software development lifecycle (requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and documentation)
- Defined new features in collaboration with clients and led their technical implementation
- Created and optimised post-production workflows for film projects
- Ensured data security and integrity throughout film production (Digital Imaging Technician)
- Planned and technically executed live streaming events, including integration into web applications
- Installed and configured NAS backup infrastructure; supported the internal SAN network and managed the offloading of production material via tape library
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Established and led the Service Centre, delivering IT consulting, network planning, and bespoke software development.
- Planned and built custom PC systems; provided IT consulting for private and corporate clients
- Developed client-specific software solutions in the areas of security and networking
- Planned, developed, and configured enterprise networks and installed servers (Wintel and Linux)
- Delivered audio and video installations for corporate clients
- Planned, conceptualised, and built the corporate website for Tele Locher AG
- Produced corporate design assets for clients including logos, business cards, email signatures, and websites
May 2007 – Aug 2008
Service & Support Agent
Mister Q AG
Provided application and system support for Windows and Mac environments, with additional marketing support responsibilities.
- Delivered application and system support for Windows and Mac; installed and maintained workstations, peripherals, networks, and communication devices
- Received, pre-analysed, and advised on incoming fault reports
- Conducted software training sessions covering business and photo editing applications
- Maintained system documentation; designed websites, newsletters, and print materials
- Supported the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Temporary role with administrative responsibilities at an international law firm.
- Filed and archived business-relevant documents
- Managed email archiving
- Carried out general administrative office tasks
Jan 2022
Information Technology Project Lead
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Leading digital platform initiatives, strategic IT projects, and AI-powered automation programmes within ZVV.
- Owns the ongoing development of zvv.ch as the central digital customer portal — encompassing architecture, hosting, release management, and quality assurance
- Played a key role in major platform integrations, including SwissPass Login and the national NOVA platform for public transport
- Shares responsibility for digital services across the Web, Mobile, Ticket Shop, and Customer Account touchpoints
- Prepares procurement decision papers and supplier evaluations
- Coordinates external development partners and drives AI-powered workflow automation initiatives
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business-IT alignment, operations, and strategic advancement of ZVV's digital platforms.
- Drove Business-IT alignment to synchronise internal process and service management
- Translated strategic requirements into action across IT risk, security, and architecture management
- Operated and continuously developed zvv.ch — steering development in a Product Owner capacity from requirements clarification through concept design to testing
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for new client onboarding; defined and tracked KPIs
- Introduced PDCA cycles and Value Stream Mapping to optimise processes
- Provided technical project leadership in eTicketing: defined architecture, security, and operational requirements, and managed end-to-end test management including concept design, coordination, and supplier debugging
Mar 2018
Co-Founder | Information Officer
ALPA.one
Co-founded ALPA.one, specialising in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, offering services in node deployment, Lightning payment systems, and bespoke Lightning workflows.
- Built and operated Lightning Network nodes for clients
- Developed and implemented Lightning payment systems enabling seamless digital transactions
- Designed and delivered custom Lightning workflows
- Held full ownership of the company's information and technology strategy
May 2025 – May 2025
Lecturer for Bitcoin & Lightning Network
HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Delivered the Lightning Network module within Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive programme (CAS Bitcoin Economy) at HWZ.
- Taught the fundamentals of the Lightning Network: why Layer 1 alone does not scale and how Lightning enables sovereign instant payments
- Delivered hands-on sessions using real wallets, nodes, and routing markets
- Ran LNHunt — a gamified Lightning scavenger hunt as an interactive practical exercise
- Provided an outlook on future developments including NOSTR, Taproot Assets, and further protocol innovations
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), focusing on Bitcoin adoption, public affairs, and legal matters.
- Advanced Bitcoin adoption in Switzerland through educational initiatives and public outreach
- Addressed legal challenges related to Bitcoin at the national level
- Served as media spokesperson for Bitcoin-related topics in Switzerland
- Contributed to shaping the association's strategic direction to strengthen the Bitcoin ecosystem
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Advised on and implemented digital multi-channel strategies, and integrated Smart Home and ICT multimedia solutions for corporate clients.
- Planned and executed a digital multi-channel strategy
- Supported day-to-day business operations in the integration of 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 the technical delivery of complex client projects.
- Managed projects using both agile and waterfall methodologies, including work breakdown structures, cost estimation, and scheduling, resource, and financial planning
- Identified, assessed, and mitigated risks throughout the project lifecycle
- Conducted business analysis for complex client projects; authored functional specifications and requirements documents with defined acceptance criteria (functional and non-functional)
- Produced application and system architectures, UML diagrams (ERM, class and sequence diagrams), prototypes, and proofs of concept
- Developed front-end solutions using HTML5, Bootstrap, jQuery, and CSS3; applied OOP principles in JavaScript and PHP; modelled SQL databases
- Programmed CMS modules for Contao, Typo3, and WordPress; created HTML5 animations using Adobe Edge
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Developed websites, iPad and Facebook applications, and managed post-production workflows in film production.
- Delivered websites, iPad apps, and Facebook applications across the full software development lifecycle (requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and documentation)
- Defined new features in collaboration with clients and led their technical implementation
- Created and optimised post-production workflows for film projects
- Ensured data security and integrity throughout film production (Digital Imaging Technician)
- Planned and technically executed live streaming events, including integration into web applications
- Installed and configured NAS backup infrastructure; supported the internal SAN network and managed the offloading of production material via tape library
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Established and led the Service Centre, delivering IT consulting, network planning, and bespoke software development.
- Planned and built custom PC systems; provided IT consulting for private and corporate clients
- Developed client-specific software solutions in the areas of security and networking
- Planned, developed, and configured enterprise networks and installed servers (Wintel and Linux)
- Delivered audio and video installations for corporate clients
- Planned, conceptualised, and built the corporate website for Tele Locher AG
- Produced corporate design assets for clients including logos, business cards, email signatures, and websites
May 2007 – Aug 2008
Service & Support Agent
Mister Q AG
Provided application and system support for Windows and Mac environments, with additional marketing support responsibilities.
- Delivered application and system support for Windows and Mac; installed and maintained workstations, peripherals, networks, and communication devices
- Received, pre-analysed, and advised on incoming fault reports
- Conducted software training sessions covering business and photo editing applications
- Maintained system documentation; designed websites, newsletters, and print materials
- Supported the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Temporary role with administrative responsibilities at an international law firm.
- Filed and archived business-relevant documents
- Managed email archiving
- Carried out general administrative office tasks
Education
EMBA, Executive Master of Business Administration · 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 · in Digital Business
Jan 2018 – Oct 2021HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Schweiz
Certificate of Advanced Studies · in Digital Finance
Jan 2019 – Nov 2019HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Schweiz
Certificate of Advanced Studies · 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