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 initiatives, strategic IT projects, and AI-driven automation. Concurrently Co-Founder of ALPA.one, specialising in Bitcoin and Lightning Network solutions, and Lecturer in the CAS Bitcoin Economy programme at HWZ. Holds an Executive MBA 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-driven automation at Zürcher Verkehrsverbund.
- Accountable for the ongoing development of zvv.ch as the central digital customer interface — encompassing architecture, hosting, release management, and quality assurance
- Contributed to key platform integrations, including SwissPass login and the national NOVA transit platform
- Co-responsible for digital services across web, mobile, ticket shop, and customer account
- Prepared decision-making materials for procurement processes and supplier evaluations
- Coordinated external development partners and AI-powered workflow automation initiatives
- Oversaw the end-to-end digital customer experience across all touchpoints
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business-IT alignment and operational ownership of application management, the zvv.ch website, and eTicketing infrastructure.
- Drove business-IT alignment to synchronise internal process and service management
- Coordinated web development in a Product Owner capacity — from requirements elicitation through concept design to testing
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for new customer onboarding
- Defined and tracked KPIs to measure the impact of implemented changes
- Applied PDCA cycles and value stream mapping to drive process optimisation
- Led technical project management for eTicketing — covering architecture, security, and operational requirements as well as test management
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 tailored Lightning payment workflows
- Delivered services across three core areas: Lightning Network Node Deployment, Lightning Payment Systems, and Custom Lightning Workflows
- Positioned the company as a Bitcoin-first business focused on decentralised digital transaction solutions
- Built the venture in parallel with primary employment since March 2018
May 2025 – May 2025
Lecturer for Bitcoin & Lightning Network
HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Lecturer for the Lightning Network module within the CAS Bitcoin Economy — Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive programme.
- Delivered the Lightning Network module as part of the HWZ CAS Bitcoin Economy programme
- Taught the scalability limitations of Bitcoin Layer 1 and how Lightning enables instant payments without sacrificing sovereignty
- Facilitated a hands-on session using LNHunt — a gamified Lightning Network scavenger hunt format
- Provided an outlook on NOSTR, Taproot Assets, and emerging developments within the Bitcoin ecosystem
- Covered real-world wallets, nodes, and routing markets in applied course content
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), with a focus on Bitcoin adoption, public communications, and legal matters.
- Promoted Bitcoin adoption across Switzerland through educational initiatives and public outreach
- Addressed legal challenges surrounding Bitcoin in the Swiss regulatory environment
- Served as media contact and spokesperson for press and public enquiries
- Actively shaped the Bitcoin ecosystem and fostered innovation within Switzerland
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Advised on and implemented digital multi-channel strategies, as well as the integration of smart home and ICT multimedia solutions for business clients.
- Planned and executed a digital multi-channel strategy
- Supported day-to-day 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, requirements engineering, and end-to-end analysis, design, and programming.
- Managed projects using both agile and waterfall methodologies, including resource, cost, and schedule planning
- Conducted business analysis for complex client projects and authored functional and non-functional requirements specifications
- Applied object-oriented analysis and design using UML; produced ERMs, class diagrams, and sequence diagrams
- Developed front-end solutions using HTML5 (Bootstrap), jQuery, and CSS3; back-end development in JavaScript, PHP, and SQL
- Built CMS modules for Contao, Typo3, and WordPress; created HTML5 animations using Adobe Edge
- Executed module, integration, system, and acceptance testing; developed social media concepts
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications while owning D-IT responsibilities and technical infrastructure within film production.
- Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications across the full software lifecycle — requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and documentation
- Designed and optimised post-production workflows within film production operations
- Ensured data security and integrity throughout film productions in the D-IT role
- Planned and technically delivered live streaming events, including integration into web applications
- Installed and configured NAS backup infrastructure; supported the internal SAN network
- Managed offloading of production material via tape library and optimised data storage and archiving processes
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Established and led the Service Centre, with responsibility for IT consulting, network infrastructure, and client projects.
- Planned and built custom PC systems and provided IT consulting for private and business clients
- Developed bespoke software solutions in the areas of security and networking
- Planned and deployed corporate networks; installed and configured servers (Wintel and Linux)
- Delivered audio and video installations; produced corporate design assets including logos, business cards, signatures, and websites
- Planned, conceptualised, and delivered the corporate website for Tele Locher AG
May 2007 – Aug 2008
Service & Support Agent
Mister Q AG
Provided application and system support across Windows and Mac environments alongside marketing assistance.
- Delivered application and system support for Windows and Mac; installed and maintained workstations, peripherals, networks, and communication devices
- Received, triaged, and advised on incoming fault reports
- Conducted software training in office and photo applications; maintained system documentation
- Designed websites, newsletters, and print materials for business clients; supported the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Temporary assignment encompassing document and email archiving as well as general office administration.
- Filed and archived business-critical documents
- Carried out 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-driven automation at Zürcher Verkehrsverbund.
- Accountable for the ongoing development of zvv.ch as the central digital customer interface — encompassing architecture, hosting, release management, and quality assurance
- Contributed to key platform integrations, including SwissPass login and the national NOVA transit platform
- Co-responsible for digital services across web, mobile, ticket shop, and customer account
- Prepared decision-making materials for procurement processes and supplier evaluations
- Coordinated external development partners and AI-powered workflow automation initiatives
- Oversaw the end-to-end digital customer experience across all touchpoints
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business-IT alignment and operational ownership of application management, the zvv.ch website, and eTicketing infrastructure.
- Drove business-IT alignment to synchronise internal process and service management
- Coordinated web development in a Product Owner capacity — from requirements elicitation through concept design to testing
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for new customer onboarding
- Defined and tracked KPIs to measure the impact of implemented changes
- Applied PDCA cycles and value stream mapping to drive process optimisation
- Led technical project management for eTicketing — covering architecture, security, and operational requirements as well as test management
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 tailored Lightning payment workflows
- Delivered services across three core areas: Lightning Network Node Deployment, Lightning Payment Systems, and Custom Lightning Workflows
- Positioned the company as a Bitcoin-first business focused on decentralised digital transaction solutions
- Built the venture in parallel with primary employment since March 2018
May 2025 – May 2025
Lecturer for Bitcoin & Lightning Network
HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Lecturer for the Lightning Network module within the CAS Bitcoin Economy — Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive programme.
- Delivered the Lightning Network module as part of the HWZ CAS Bitcoin Economy programme
- Taught the scalability limitations of Bitcoin Layer 1 and how Lightning enables instant payments without sacrificing sovereignty
- Facilitated a hands-on session using LNHunt — a gamified Lightning Network scavenger hunt format
- Provided an outlook on NOSTR, Taproot Assets, and emerging developments within the Bitcoin ecosystem
- Covered real-world wallets, nodes, and routing markets in applied course content
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), with a focus on Bitcoin adoption, public communications, and legal matters.
- Promoted Bitcoin adoption across Switzerland through educational initiatives and public outreach
- Addressed legal challenges surrounding Bitcoin in the Swiss regulatory environment
- Served as media contact and spokesperson for press and public enquiries
- Actively shaped the Bitcoin ecosystem and fostered innovation within Switzerland
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Advised on and implemented digital multi-channel strategies, as well as the integration of smart home and ICT multimedia solutions for business clients.
- Planned and executed a digital multi-channel strategy
- Supported day-to-day 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, requirements engineering, and end-to-end analysis, design, and programming.
- Managed projects using both agile and waterfall methodologies, including resource, cost, and schedule planning
- Conducted business analysis for complex client projects and authored functional and non-functional requirements specifications
- Applied object-oriented analysis and design using UML; produced ERMs, class diagrams, and sequence diagrams
- Developed front-end solutions using HTML5 (Bootstrap), jQuery, and CSS3; back-end development in JavaScript, PHP, and SQL
- Built CMS modules for Contao, Typo3, and WordPress; created HTML5 animations using Adobe Edge
- Executed module, integration, system, and acceptance testing; developed social media concepts
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications while owning D-IT responsibilities and technical infrastructure within film production.
- Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications across the full software lifecycle — requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and documentation
- Designed and optimised post-production workflows within film production operations
- Ensured data security and integrity throughout film productions in the D-IT role
- Planned and technically delivered live streaming events, including integration into web applications
- Installed and configured NAS backup infrastructure; supported the internal SAN network
- Managed offloading of production material via tape library and optimised data storage and archiving processes
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Established and led the Service Centre, with responsibility for IT consulting, network infrastructure, and client projects.
- Planned and built custom PC systems and provided IT consulting for private and business clients
- Developed bespoke software solutions in the areas of security and networking
- Planned and deployed corporate networks; installed and configured servers (Wintel and Linux)
- Delivered audio and video installations; produced corporate design assets including logos, business cards, signatures, and websites
- Planned, conceptualised, and delivered the corporate website for Tele Locher AG
May 2007 – Aug 2008
Service & Support Agent
Mister Q AG
Provided application and system support across Windows and Mac environments alongside marketing assistance.
- Delivered application and system support for Windows and Mac; installed and maintained workstations, peripherals, networks, and communication devices
- Received, triaged, and advised on incoming fault reports
- Conducted software training in office and photo applications; maintained system documentation
- Designed websites, newsletters, and print materials for business clients; supported the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Temporary assignment encompassing document and email archiving as well as general office administration.
- Filed and archived business-critical documents
- Carried out 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