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, AI-driven automation, and the ongoing development of zvv.ch as the organisation's central digital customer interface. Concurrently co-founder of ALPA.one, specialising in Bitcoin and Lightning Network solutions, and lecturer on the CAS Bitcoin Economy programme at HWZ. Holds an EMBA from HWZ Zürich, completed with an international module at the University of Virginia Darden School of Business.
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.
- Responsible for the ongoing development of zvv.ch as the central digital customer interface — encompassing architecture, hosting, release management, and quality assurance
- Contributed to major platform integrations, including SwissPass login and the national NOVA platform for public transport
- Shared accountability for digital services across web, mobile, ticket shop, and customer account touchpoints
- Developed decision-support documentation and supplier evaluations for procurement processes
- Coordinated external development partners and AI-driven workflow automation initiatives
- Managed project portfolio prioritisation across digital customer interface domains
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Drove business-IT alignment and held operational responsibility for application management, with a focus on zvv.ch and the eTicketing system.
- Established business-IT alignment to synchronise internal process and service management
- Translated strategic requirements into action in the areas of IT risk, security, and architecture management
- Served as Product Owner for zvv.ch Web — from requirements definition and conceptual design through to testing and release
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for new customer onboarding, including definition and measurement of relevant KPIs
- Introduced PDCA cycles and value stream mapping to streamline process workflows
- Led technical project management for eTicketing: requirements management covering architecture, security, and operational aspects, plus end-to-end test management
Mar 2018
Co-Founder | Information Officer
ALPA.one
Co-founded ALPA.one, a company specialising in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, with a focus on node deployment, Lightning payment systems, and bespoke Lightning workflows.
- Built and operated Lightning Network nodes for both corporate and private clients
- Designed and implemented Lightning payment systems enabling seamless digital transaction processing
- Conceived and delivered custom Lightning workflows for process automation
- Positioned the company as a Swiss specialist in decentralised Bitcoin infrastructure
- Served as Information Officer, responsible for technical strategy and knowledge management across the organisation
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.
- Taught the fundamentals of why Bitcoin Layer 1 does not scale and how the Lightning Network enables sovereign instant payments
- Delivered a hands-on session using LNHunt, a gamified Lightning Network scavenger hunt
- Covered real-world wallets, nodes, and routing markets in a practical context
- 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 the Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), focused on education, legal affairs, and media engagement around Bitcoin in Switzerland.
- Contributed to the strategic direction of the BAS to advance Bitcoin adoption across Switzerland
- Engaged in public relations and served as a media spokesperson on Bitcoin-related topics
- Addressed legal challenges within the Swiss Bitcoin ecosystem
- Promoted innovation and knowledge transfer within the Swiss Bitcoin community
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Advised on and implemented digital multichannel strategies, and integrated smart home and ICT multimedia solutions for enterprise clients.
- Planned and executed a digital multichannel 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
Headed web development 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 structural planning, cost estimation, and resource and financial planning
- Key account management: gathered client requirements, delivered solution presentations, prepared proposals, and developed social media concepts
- Conducted business analysis and requirements engineering for complex client projects, producing functional specifications with functional and non-functional acceptance criteria
- Applied object-oriented analysis and design using UML; created ERM, class, and sequence diagrams
- Delivered frontend development using HTML5, Bootstrap, jQuery, and CSS3; backend programming in JavaScript and PHP
- Developed CMS modules for Contao, Typo3, and WordPress; performed SQL database modelling and implementation
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications, and held responsibility for digital infrastructure and IT operations in film production.
- Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications across the full software lifecycle — from requirements gathering and design through implementation, testing, and documentation
- Post-production workflow: creation and optimisation within film production, including data storage, processing, and archiving
- Ensured data security and integrity throughout film production (D-IT)
- Technically planned and set up live streaming events, including integration into web applications
- Installed and configured NAS backup infrastructure and supported the internal SAN network
- Managed the offloading of production material using a tape library
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Established and led the service centre, with responsibility for IT infrastructure, network planning, and client solutions for both private and corporate customers.
- Planned and built custom PC systems and provided IT consulting for private and corporate clients
- Developed client-specific software solutions in the areas of security and networking
- Planned and built corporate networks; installed and configured servers (Wintel, Linux)
- Delivered audio and video installations as well as corporate design services including 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, with additional responsibility for marketing support.
- Delivered application and system support for Windows and Mac platforms
- Installed and maintained workstations, peripherals, networks, and communications equipment
- Received, pre-analysed, and advised on fault reports and support requests
- Conducted software training sessions in business and photo editing applications
- Designed websites, newsletters, and print materials for corporate clients
- Supported the marketing department across a range of activities
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Temporary assignment covering document management and general administrative office duties.
- 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.
- Responsible for the ongoing development of zvv.ch as the central digital customer interface — encompassing architecture, hosting, release management, and quality assurance
- Contributed to major platform integrations, including SwissPass login and the national NOVA platform for public transport
- Shared accountability for digital services across web, mobile, ticket shop, and customer account touchpoints
- Developed decision-support documentation and supplier evaluations for procurement processes
- Coordinated external development partners and AI-driven workflow automation initiatives
- Managed project portfolio prioritisation across digital customer interface domains
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Drove business-IT alignment and held operational responsibility for application management, with a focus on zvv.ch and the eTicketing system.
- Established business-IT alignment to synchronise internal process and service management
- Translated strategic requirements into action in the areas of IT risk, security, and architecture management
- Served as Product Owner for zvv.ch Web — from requirements definition and conceptual design through to testing and release
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for new customer onboarding, including definition and measurement of relevant KPIs
- Introduced PDCA cycles and value stream mapping to streamline process workflows
- Led technical project management for eTicketing: requirements management covering architecture, security, and operational aspects, plus end-to-end test management
Mar 2018
Co-Founder | Information Officer
ALPA.one
Co-founded ALPA.one, a company specialising in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, with a focus on node deployment, Lightning payment systems, and bespoke Lightning workflows.
- Built and operated Lightning Network nodes for both corporate and private clients
- Designed and implemented Lightning payment systems enabling seamless digital transaction processing
- Conceived and delivered custom Lightning workflows for process automation
- Positioned the company as a Swiss specialist in decentralised Bitcoin infrastructure
- Served as Information Officer, responsible for technical strategy and knowledge management across the organisation
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.
- Taught the fundamentals of why Bitcoin Layer 1 does not scale and how the Lightning Network enables sovereign instant payments
- Delivered a hands-on session using LNHunt, a gamified Lightning Network scavenger hunt
- Covered real-world wallets, nodes, and routing markets in a practical context
- 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 the Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), focused on education, legal affairs, and media engagement around Bitcoin in Switzerland.
- Contributed to the strategic direction of the BAS to advance Bitcoin adoption across Switzerland
- Engaged in public relations and served as a media spokesperson on Bitcoin-related topics
- Addressed legal challenges within the Swiss Bitcoin ecosystem
- Promoted innovation and knowledge transfer within the Swiss Bitcoin community
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Advised on and implemented digital multichannel strategies, and integrated smart home and ICT multimedia solutions for enterprise clients.
- Planned and executed a digital multichannel 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
Headed web development 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 structural planning, cost estimation, and resource and financial planning
- Key account management: gathered client requirements, delivered solution presentations, prepared proposals, and developed social media concepts
- Conducted business analysis and requirements engineering for complex client projects, producing functional specifications with functional and non-functional acceptance criteria
- Applied object-oriented analysis and design using UML; created ERM, class, and sequence diagrams
- Delivered frontend development using HTML5, Bootstrap, jQuery, and CSS3; backend programming in JavaScript and PHP
- Developed CMS modules for Contao, Typo3, and WordPress; performed SQL database modelling and implementation
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications, and held responsibility for digital infrastructure and IT operations in film production.
- Developed websites, iPad, and Facebook applications across the full software lifecycle — from requirements gathering and design through implementation, testing, and documentation
- Post-production workflow: creation and optimisation within film production, including data storage, processing, and archiving
- Ensured data security and integrity throughout film production (D-IT)
- Technically planned and set up live streaming events, including integration into web applications
- Installed and configured NAS backup infrastructure and supported the internal SAN network
- Managed the offloading of production material using a tape library
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Established and led the service centre, with responsibility for IT infrastructure, network planning, and client solutions for both private and corporate customers.
- Planned and built custom PC systems and provided IT consulting for private and corporate clients
- Developed client-specific software solutions in the areas of security and networking
- Planned and built corporate networks; installed and configured servers (Wintel, Linux)
- Delivered audio and video installations as well as corporate design services including 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, with additional responsibility for marketing support.
- Delivered application and system support for Windows and Mac platforms
- Installed and maintained workstations, peripherals, networks, and communications equipment
- Received, pre-analysed, and advised on fault reports and support requests
- Conducted software training sessions in business and photo editing applications
- Designed websites, newsletters, and print materials for corporate clients
- Supported the marketing department across a range of activities
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Temporary assignment covering document management and general administrative office duties.
- 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
Charlottesville, VA, 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