Marcel Rapold
ICT Project Lead, AI Product & Platform Lead | Digital Platforms & AI Automation | Bitcoin & Lightning | EMBA
Erlenbach (Zürich), Zürich, Schweiz
ICT Project Lead and AI Product & Platform Lead at Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV, with end-to-end ownership of zvv.ch, the digital app ecosystem, and AI-driven automation initiatives. Concurrently Co-Founder of ALPA.one, a company specialising in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, 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 Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Acting ICT Project Lead for AI Product & Platform Initiatives with end-to-end ownership of zvv.ch and ZVV's digital channel ecosystem.
- Owner of the operation and ongoing development of zvv.ch as the central customer experience interface, including IT architecture, hosting, and test management
- Co-responsible for the full web and mobile portfolio; built new services and apps to advance the digitalisation of public transport
- Ensured interoperability between the ticket shop and all ZVV digital channels; co-designed the roadmap for customer accounts
- Conceived and implemented AI-powered automation workflows to optimise internal processes and the external customer interface
- Defined and delivered MVPs and proofs of concept using low-code and scalable Dev/Ops approaches
- Acted as SPOC to external development partners: steering, coordinating, and ensuring quality assurance across complex, interdisciplinary projects
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business-IT alignment and product ownership for zvv.ch, plus technical project leadership in eTicketing.
- Drove business-IT alignment to synchronise internal process and service management
- Translated strategic requirements into deliverables across IT risk, security, and architecture management
- Served as Product Owner for zvv.ch: coordinated development, conception, and testing from requirements clarification through to sign-off
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for the successful onboarding of new customers; defined and tracked KPIs
- Introduced PDCA and value stream mapping to streamline process workflows
- Led technical project delivery in eTicketing: architecture, security, and operational requirements, as well as test management (concept, coordination, debugging, retest)
Mar 2018
Co-Founder | Information Officer
ALPA.one
Co-Founder and Information Officer at ALPA.one, specialising in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network.
- Built and operated services covering Lightning Network node deployment, Lightning payment systems, and custom Lightning workflows
- Advised on and implemented seamless digital transaction solutions based on Bitcoin Layer 1 and the Lightning Network
- Positioned ALPA.one as a leading technical specialist within Switzerland's Bitcoin ecosystem
May 2025 – May 2025
Lecturer for Bitcoin & Lightning Network
HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Lecturer for the Lightning Network module in the CAS Bitcoin Economy — Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive programme.
- Taught the scaling limitations of Bitcoin Layer 1 and the mechanics of Lightning for instant, self-sovereign payments
- Delivered a hands-on session using LNHunt, a gamified Lightning scavenger hunt
- Provided a forward-looking perspective on emerging developments: NOSTR, Taproot Assets, and further Layer 2 innovations
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), the central hub for Bitcoin enthusiasts in Switzerland.
- Advanced Bitcoin adoption through public relations, educational initiatives, and media communications
- Addressed legal questions relating to Bitcoin in Switzerland
- Strengthened the Bitcoin ecosystem by connecting stakeholders from business, politics, and civil society
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Advised on and implemented digital multi-channel strategies and ICT multimedia projects for business clients.
- Planned and executed a digital multi-channel strategy
- Supported operational business units in integrating complex smart home solutions
- Planned and delivered ICT multimedia projects for enterprise clients
Jan 2014 – Apr 2016
Head of Web Development
WebComTV
Led web development operations encompassing project management, key account management, and technical delivery of complex client projects.
- Managed projects using both agile and waterfall methodologies: structural planning, cost estimation, scheduling, resource allocation, and financial planning
- Key account management: gathered requirements, presented solutions, prepared proposals, and developed social media concepts
- Conducted business analysis and requirements engineering for complex client projects; authored functional specifications and technical requirement documents with functional and non-functional acceptance criteria
- Built HTML5 templates on Bootstrap; developed frontend UIs using jQuery and CSS3
- Implemented object-oriented programming in JavaScript and PHP; modelled and implemented SQL databases
- Developed 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 production workflows in film production.
- Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications across the full software lifecycle (requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, documentation)
- Defined and delivered new features in close collaboration with clients
- Designed and optimised post-production workflows for film production
- Drove workflow improvements across data storage, processing, and archiving
- Ensured data security and integrity throughout film production (D-IT)
- Planned and installed live streaming events including integration into web applications
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Established and operated an IT service centre providing consultancy, network planning, and software development for private and commercial clients.
- Planned and built custom PC systems; provided IT consultancy for private and business clients
- Developed bespoke software solutions in the areas of security and networking
- Planned and implemented corporate networks; installed and configured servers (Wintel, Linux)
- Delivered audio and video installations as well as corporate design services (logos, business cards, signatures, websites)
- Planned, conceived, and delivered 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, and delivered design services for corporate clients.
- Delivered application and system support (Windows and Mac); installed and maintained workstations, peripherals, networks, and communication devices
- Received, pre-analysed, and advised on incident reports; maintained system documentation
- Conducted software training in business and photo editing applications
- Designed websites, newsletters, and print materials for corporate clients; supported the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Temporary assignment at Baker & McKenzie Zürich, handling administrative responsibilities.
- Filing and archiving of business-relevant documents
- Email archiving and general administrative office tasks
Jan 2022
Information Technology Project Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Acting ICT Project Lead for AI Product & Platform Initiatives with end-to-end ownership of zvv.ch and ZVV's digital channel ecosystem.
- Owner of the operation and ongoing development of zvv.ch as the central customer experience interface, including IT architecture, hosting, and test management
- Co-responsible for the full web and mobile portfolio; built new services and apps to advance the digitalisation of public transport
- Ensured interoperability between the ticket shop and all ZVV digital channels; co-designed the roadmap for customer accounts
- Conceived and implemented AI-powered automation workflows to optimise internal processes and the external customer interface
- Defined and delivered MVPs and proofs of concept using low-code and scalable Dev/Ops approaches
- Acted as SPOC to external development partners: steering, coordinating, and ensuring quality assurance across complex, interdisciplinary projects
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business-IT alignment and product ownership for zvv.ch, plus technical project leadership in eTicketing.
- Drove business-IT alignment to synchronise internal process and service management
- Translated strategic requirements into deliverables across IT risk, security, and architecture management
- Served as Product Owner for zvv.ch: coordinated development, conception, and testing from requirements clarification through to sign-off
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for the successful onboarding of new customers; defined and tracked KPIs
- Introduced PDCA and value stream mapping to streamline process workflows
- Led technical project delivery in eTicketing: architecture, security, and operational requirements, as well as test management (concept, coordination, debugging, retest)
Mar 2018
Co-Founder | Information Officer
ALPA.one
Co-Founder and Information Officer at ALPA.one, specialising in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network.
- Built and operated services covering Lightning Network node deployment, Lightning payment systems, and custom Lightning workflows
- Advised on and implemented seamless digital transaction solutions based on Bitcoin Layer 1 and the Lightning Network
- Positioned ALPA.one as a leading technical specialist within Switzerland's Bitcoin ecosystem
May 2025 – May 2025
Lecturer for Bitcoin & Lightning Network
HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Lecturer for the Lightning Network module in the CAS Bitcoin Economy — Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive programme.
- Taught the scaling limitations of Bitcoin Layer 1 and the mechanics of Lightning for instant, self-sovereign payments
- Delivered a hands-on session using LNHunt, a gamified Lightning scavenger hunt
- Provided a forward-looking perspective on emerging developments: NOSTR, Taproot Assets, and further Layer 2 innovations
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), the central hub for Bitcoin enthusiasts in Switzerland.
- Advanced Bitcoin adoption through public relations, educational initiatives, and media communications
- Addressed legal questions relating to Bitcoin in Switzerland
- Strengthened the Bitcoin ecosystem by connecting stakeholders from business, politics, and civil society
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Advised on and implemented digital multi-channel strategies and ICT multimedia projects for business clients.
- Planned and executed a digital multi-channel strategy
- Supported operational business units in integrating complex smart home solutions
- Planned and delivered ICT multimedia projects for enterprise clients
Jan 2014 – Apr 2016
Head of Web Development
WebComTV
Led web development operations encompassing project management, key account management, and technical delivery of complex client projects.
- Managed projects using both agile and waterfall methodologies: structural planning, cost estimation, scheduling, resource allocation, and financial planning
- Key account management: gathered requirements, presented solutions, prepared proposals, and developed social media concepts
- Conducted business analysis and requirements engineering for complex client projects; authored functional specifications and technical requirement documents with functional and non-functional acceptance criteria
- Built HTML5 templates on Bootstrap; developed frontend UIs using jQuery and CSS3
- Implemented object-oriented programming in JavaScript and PHP; modelled and implemented SQL databases
- Developed 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 production workflows in film production.
- Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications across the full software lifecycle (requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, documentation)
- Defined and delivered new features in close collaboration with clients
- Designed and optimised post-production workflows for film production
- Drove workflow improvements across data storage, processing, and archiving
- Ensured data security and integrity throughout film production (D-IT)
- Planned and installed live streaming events including integration into web applications
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Established and operated an IT service centre providing consultancy, network planning, and software development for private and commercial clients.
- Planned and built custom PC systems; provided IT consultancy for private and business clients
- Developed bespoke software solutions in the areas of security and networking
- Planned and implemented corporate networks; installed and configured servers (Wintel, Linux)
- Delivered audio and video installations as well as corporate design services (logos, business cards, signatures, websites)
- Planned, conceived, and delivered 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, and delivered design services for corporate clients.
- Delivered application and system support (Windows and Mac); installed and maintained workstations, peripherals, networks, and communication devices
- Received, pre-analysed, and advised on incident reports; maintained system documentation
- Conducted software training in business and photo editing applications
- Designed websites, newsletters, and print materials for corporate clients; supported the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Temporary assignment at Baker & McKenzie Zürich, handling administrative responsibilities.
- Filing and archiving of business-relevant documents
- Email archiving and 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