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 the Lightning Network, and Lecturer at HWZ delivering the CAS Bitcoin Economy programme. 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 efforts at Zürcher Verkehrsverbund.
- Owns the ongoing development of zvv.ch as the central digital customer interface — covering architecture, hosting, release management, and quality assurance
- Key contributor to platform integrations including SwissPass Login and the national NOVA transit platform system
- Shares responsibility for digital services across web, mobile, ticket shop, and customer account touchpoints
- Prepares procurement decision frameworks and supplier evaluations
- Coordinates external development partners and drives AI-powered workflow automation initiatives
- Manages stakeholder communication to streamline project processes
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business-IT alignment and operational ownership of ZVV's web platform and eTicketing systems.
- Drove Business-IT alignment to synchronise internal process and service management
- Operated and evolved zvv.ch as Product Owner — spanning demand clarification, conceptual design, and testing
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy to drive new customer acquisition, including the definition and tracking of relevant KPIs
- Applied PDCA cycles and Value Stream Mapping to optimise operational processes
- Led technical project management in eTicketing — covering architecture, security, operational aspects, and test management
- Held budget and contract responsibility as well as IT risk, security, and architecture 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 bespoke Lightning payment workflows
- Delivered Lightning Network node deployment, Lightning payment systems, and custom Lightning workflows enabling seamless digital transactions
- Established positioning as a specialist in Bitcoin Layer 1 architecture and the Lightning Network ecosystem
- Continuously guided the technical and strategic development of the company 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.
- Teaches the fundamentals of why Bitcoin Layer 1 alone does not scale and how Lightning enables instant payments without sacrificing sovereignty
- Delivers hands-on engagement with wallets, nodes, and routing markets in real-world settings
- Runs an interactive hands-on session using LNHunt, a gamified Lightning Network treasure hunt
- Provides an outlook on emerging developments including NOSTR, Taproot Assets, and further Layer 2 innovations
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), focusing on Bitcoin adoption, public communications, and legal matters.
- Promotes Bitcoin adoption in Switzerland through educational initiatives and public outreach
- Supports navigation of legal challenges surrounding Bitcoin in Switzerland
- Serves as Media Liaison for the Bitcoin community
- Contributes to the strategic direction of the association to strengthen the Bitcoin ecosystem in Switzerland
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Advised on and implemented a digital multi-channel strategy, alongside the integration of Smart Home and ICT multimedia systems for enterprise 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 systems for corporate clients
Jan 2014 – Apr 2016
Head of Web Development
WebComTV
Led web development 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 structures, cost estimation, and resource planning
- Conducted requirements engineering: business analysis, specification of functional and non-functional acceptance criteria
- Performed analysis and design using UML (ERM, class, and sequence diagrams), object-oriented analysis, and prototyping
- Delivered frontend development with HTML5, Bootstrap, jQuery, and CSS3; backend programming in JavaScript and PHP
- Developed CMS modules for Contao, Typo3, and WordPress; modelled SQL databases
- Executed module, integration, system, and user acceptance testing
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications, and provided technical support for film production infrastructures.
- Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications across the full software lifecycle (requirements, design, implementation, testing, documentation)
- Created and optimised post-production workflows in film production
- Ensured data security and data integrity throughout film productions (D-IT)
- Planned and set up technical infrastructure for live streaming events, including integration into web applications
- Installed and configured NAS backup infrastructure; supported internal SAN network operations and tape library management
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Managed the Service Centre with responsibility for IT consulting, network planning, server configuration, and web projects for private and corporate clients.
- Planned and built custom PC systems and provided IT consulting for private and corporate clients
- Planned and implemented corporate networks; installed and configured servers (Wintel, Linux)
- Developed bespoke software solutions in the areas of security and networking
- Planned, conceived, and delivered the corporate web presence for Tele Locher AG
- Provided audio and video installations as well as corporate design services for clients (logos, business cards, email signatures, websites)
May 2007 – Aug 2008
Service & Support Agent
Mister Q AG
Delivered application and system support for Windows and Mac environments, alongside design tasks for corporate clients.
- Provided application and system support (Windows and Mac): installation and maintenance of workstations, peripherals, networks, and communication devices
- Received, pre-analysed, and advised on incoming incident reports
- Delivered software training in business and photo applications and maintained system documentation
- Designed websites, newsletters, and print materials, and supported the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Temporary position handling administrative document and email archiving tasks.
- Filed and archived business-relevant documents
- Managed email archiving and carried out general administrative office duties
Jan 2022
Information Technology Project Lead
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Leading digital platform initiatives, strategic IT projects, and AI-driven automation efforts at Zürcher Verkehrsverbund.
- Owns the ongoing development of zvv.ch as the central digital customer interface — covering architecture, hosting, release management, and quality assurance
- Key contributor to platform integrations including SwissPass Login and the national NOVA transit platform system
- Shares responsibility for digital services across web, mobile, ticket shop, and customer account touchpoints
- Prepares procurement decision frameworks and supplier evaluations
- Coordinates external development partners and drives AI-powered workflow automation initiatives
- Manages stakeholder communication to streamline project processes
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business-IT alignment and operational ownership of ZVV's web platform and eTicketing systems.
- Drove Business-IT alignment to synchronise internal process and service management
- Operated and evolved zvv.ch as Product Owner — spanning demand clarification, conceptual design, and testing
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy to drive new customer acquisition, including the definition and tracking of relevant KPIs
- Applied PDCA cycles and Value Stream Mapping to optimise operational processes
- Led technical project management in eTicketing — covering architecture, security, operational aspects, and test management
- Held budget and contract responsibility as well as IT risk, security, and architecture 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 bespoke Lightning payment workflows
- Delivered Lightning Network node deployment, Lightning payment systems, and custom Lightning workflows enabling seamless digital transactions
- Established positioning as a specialist in Bitcoin Layer 1 architecture and the Lightning Network ecosystem
- Continuously guided the technical and strategic development of the company 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.
- Teaches the fundamentals of why Bitcoin Layer 1 alone does not scale and how Lightning enables instant payments without sacrificing sovereignty
- Delivers hands-on engagement with wallets, nodes, and routing markets in real-world settings
- Runs an interactive hands-on session using LNHunt, a gamified Lightning Network treasure hunt
- Provides an outlook on emerging developments including NOSTR, Taproot Assets, and further Layer 2 innovations
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), focusing on Bitcoin adoption, public communications, and legal matters.
- Promotes Bitcoin adoption in Switzerland through educational initiatives and public outreach
- Supports navigation of legal challenges surrounding Bitcoin in Switzerland
- Serves as Media Liaison for the Bitcoin community
- Contributes to the strategic direction of the association to strengthen the Bitcoin ecosystem in Switzerland
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Advised on and implemented a digital multi-channel strategy, alongside the integration of Smart Home and ICT multimedia systems for enterprise 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 systems for corporate clients
Jan 2014 – Apr 2016
Head of Web Development
WebComTV
Led web development 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 structures, cost estimation, and resource planning
- Conducted requirements engineering: business analysis, specification of functional and non-functional acceptance criteria
- Performed analysis and design using UML (ERM, class, and sequence diagrams), object-oriented analysis, and prototyping
- Delivered frontend development with HTML5, Bootstrap, jQuery, and CSS3; backend programming in JavaScript and PHP
- Developed CMS modules for Contao, Typo3, and WordPress; modelled SQL databases
- Executed module, integration, system, and user acceptance testing
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications, and provided technical support for film production infrastructures.
- Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications across the full software lifecycle (requirements, design, implementation, testing, documentation)
- Created and optimised post-production workflows in film production
- Ensured data security and data integrity throughout film productions (D-IT)
- Planned and set up technical infrastructure for live streaming events, including integration into web applications
- Installed and configured NAS backup infrastructure; supported internal SAN network operations and tape library management
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Managed the Service Centre with responsibility for IT consulting, network planning, server configuration, and web projects for private and corporate clients.
- Planned and built custom PC systems and provided IT consulting for private and corporate clients
- Planned and implemented corporate networks; installed and configured servers (Wintel, Linux)
- Developed bespoke software solutions in the areas of security and networking
- Planned, conceived, and delivered the corporate web presence for Tele Locher AG
- Provided audio and video installations as well as corporate design services for clients (logos, business cards, email signatures, websites)
May 2007 – Aug 2008
Service & Support Agent
Mister Q AG
Delivered application and system support for Windows and Mac environments, alongside design tasks for corporate clients.
- Provided application and system support (Windows and Mac): installation and maintenance of workstations, peripherals, networks, and communication devices
- Received, pre-analysed, and advised on incoming incident reports
- Delivered software training in business and photo applications and maintained system documentation
- Designed websites, newsletters, and print materials, and supported the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Temporary position handling administrative document and email archiving tasks.
- Filed and archived business-relevant documents
- Managed email archiving and carried out general administrative office duties
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