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 Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive programme. Holds an EMBA in Management (HWZ) and a Master of Advanced Studies in Digital Business.
Professional Experience
Jan 2022
Information Technology Project Lead
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Leading digital platform initiatives, strategic IT projects, and AI-driven automation programmes within ZVV.
- Responsible for the continued development of zvv.ch as the central digital customer portal — 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 responsibility for digital services across web, mobile, ticket shop, and customer account touchpoints
- Produced procurement-relevant decision papers and supplier evaluations
- Coordinated external development partners and AI-powered workflow automation initiatives
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business-IT alignment and the operation and ongoing development of digital applications and the zvv.ch website.
- Drove business-IT alignment to synchronise internal process and service management
- Translated strategic requirements into concrete measures across IT risk, security, and architecture management
- Operated and continuously developed zvv.ch in a Product Owner capacity — from requirements clarification through concept design to testing
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for new customer onboarding and defined and tracked corresponding KPIs
- Applied PDCA cycles and Value Stream Mapping to optimise operational processes
- Led technical project management for eTicketing: architecture, security and operational requirements, and full test management (concept, coordination, debugging, and retest)
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 custom Lightning workflows.
- Built and operated Lightning Network nodes and developed Lightning payment systems
- Designed and implemented custom Lightning workflows to enable seamless digital transaction processes
- Positioned ALPA.one as a Bitcoin-first company with a focus on decentralised financial infrastructure
- Defined strategic direction towards sovereign, decentralised payment system architectures
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.
- Explained the fundamentals of why Bitcoin Layer 1 alone does not scale and how Lightning enables instant payments without compromising sovereignty
- Delivered practical coverage of wallets, nodes, and routing markets in real-world application
- Facilitated a hands-on session featuring LNHunt — a gamified Lightning Network scavenger hunt
- Provided a forward-looking perspective on NOSTR, Taproot Assets, and further Layer 2 innovations
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of the Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), an organisation dedicated to advancing Bitcoin adoption in Switzerland.
- Co-shaped public education initiatives around Bitcoin in Switzerland
- Addressed legal questions relating to Bitcoin and digital assets
- Served as media spokesperson on Bitcoin-related topics
- Promoted innovation and fostered an active Bitcoin ecosystem in Switzerland
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 corporate clients.
- Planned and executed a digital multichannel strategy
- Supported operational business in the integration of sophisticated smart home solutions
- Planned and implemented ICT multimedia solutions for corporate clients
Jan 2014 – Apr 2016
Head of Web Development
WebComTV
Led web development with responsibility for project management, key account management, requirements engineering, and technical analysis and implementation.
- Managed projects using both agile and waterfall methodologies, including work breakdown structures, cost estimates, and schedule, resource, and financial planning
- Handled risk management: identification, assessment, and mitigation of project risks
- Conducted business analysis for complex client projects — producing detailed specifications covering functional and non-functional requirements
- Created application and system architecture specifications, prototypes, and proof of concepts; performed object-oriented analysis and design using UML
- Delivered front-end development with HTML5, Bootstrap, jQuery, and CSS3; back-end development with PHP and JavaScript; SQL database modelling
- Developed CMS modules for Contao, Typo3, and WordPress; created HTML5 animations using Adobe Edge
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Developed websites and iPad and Facebook applications across the full software lifecycle.
- Built websites and iPad and Facebook applications across the complete software lifecycle — requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and documentation
- Defined new features in collaboration with clients and delivered their technical implementation
- Managed post-production workflows: creation and optimisation within film production, including data storage, processing, and archiving
- Ensured data security and integrity on film productions (D-IT)
- Planned and installed live streaming events, including integration into web applications
- Installed and configured NAS backup infrastructure; supported the internal SAN network and tape library backup
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Established and led the service centre, with responsibility for IT consulting, network infrastructure, and bespoke software development.
- Planned and built custom PC systems and delivered IT consulting for private and corporate clients
- Developed bespoke software solutions in the areas of security and networking
- Planned and built corporate networks and installed and configured servers (Wintel and Linux)
- Delivered audio and video installations as well as corporate design services — 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 and designed digital and print communications.
- Delivered application and system support for Windows and Mac; installed and maintained workstations, peripherals, networks, and communication devices
- Received, pre-analysed, and advised on fault reports
- Conducted software training in business and photo applications
- Maintained system documentation for all managed systems
- Designed websites, newsletters, and print materials for corporate clients; supported the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Temporary assignment in the administrative function of international law firm Baker & McKenzie.
- Filed and archived business-critical documents
- Managed email archiving
- Performed general administrative office tasks
Jan 2022
Information Technology Project Lead
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Leading digital platform initiatives, strategic IT projects, and AI-driven automation programmes within ZVV.
- Responsible for the continued development of zvv.ch as the central digital customer portal — 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 responsibility for digital services across web, mobile, ticket shop, and customer account touchpoints
- Produced procurement-relevant decision papers and supplier evaluations
- Coordinated external development partners and AI-powered workflow automation initiatives
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business-IT alignment and the operation and ongoing development of digital applications and the zvv.ch website.
- Drove business-IT alignment to synchronise internal process and service management
- Translated strategic requirements into concrete measures across IT risk, security, and architecture management
- Operated and continuously developed zvv.ch in a Product Owner capacity — from requirements clarification through concept design to testing
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for new customer onboarding and defined and tracked corresponding KPIs
- Applied PDCA cycles and Value Stream Mapping to optimise operational processes
- Led technical project management for eTicketing: architecture, security and operational requirements, and full test management (concept, coordination, debugging, and retest)
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 custom Lightning workflows.
- Built and operated Lightning Network nodes and developed Lightning payment systems
- Designed and implemented custom Lightning workflows to enable seamless digital transaction processes
- Positioned ALPA.one as a Bitcoin-first company with a focus on decentralised financial infrastructure
- Defined strategic direction towards sovereign, decentralised payment system architectures
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.
- Explained the fundamentals of why Bitcoin Layer 1 alone does not scale and how Lightning enables instant payments without compromising sovereignty
- Delivered practical coverage of wallets, nodes, and routing markets in real-world application
- Facilitated a hands-on session featuring LNHunt — a gamified Lightning Network scavenger hunt
- Provided a forward-looking perspective on NOSTR, Taproot Assets, and further Layer 2 innovations
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of the Bitcoin Association Switzerland (BAS), an organisation dedicated to advancing Bitcoin adoption in Switzerland.
- Co-shaped public education initiatives around Bitcoin in Switzerland
- Addressed legal questions relating to Bitcoin and digital assets
- Served as media spokesperson on Bitcoin-related topics
- Promoted innovation and fostered an active Bitcoin ecosystem in Switzerland
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 corporate clients.
- Planned and executed a digital multichannel strategy
- Supported operational business in the integration of sophisticated smart home solutions
- Planned and implemented ICT multimedia solutions for corporate clients
Jan 2014 – Apr 2016
Head of Web Development
WebComTV
Led web development with responsibility for project management, key account management, requirements engineering, and technical analysis and implementation.
- Managed projects using both agile and waterfall methodologies, including work breakdown structures, cost estimates, and schedule, resource, and financial planning
- Handled risk management: identification, assessment, and mitigation of project risks
- Conducted business analysis for complex client projects — producing detailed specifications covering functional and non-functional requirements
- Created application and system architecture specifications, prototypes, and proof of concepts; performed object-oriented analysis and design using UML
- Delivered front-end development with HTML5, Bootstrap, jQuery, and CSS3; back-end development with PHP and JavaScript; SQL database modelling
- Developed CMS modules for Contao, Typo3, and WordPress; created HTML5 animations using Adobe Edge
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Developed websites and iPad and Facebook applications across the full software lifecycle.
- Built websites and iPad and Facebook applications across the complete software lifecycle — requirements gathering, design, implementation, testing, and documentation
- Defined new features in collaboration with clients and delivered their technical implementation
- Managed post-production workflows: creation and optimisation within film production, including data storage, processing, and archiving
- Ensured data security and integrity on film productions (D-IT)
- Planned and installed live streaming events, including integration into web applications
- Installed and configured NAS backup infrastructure; supported the internal SAN network and tape library backup
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Established and led the service centre, with responsibility for IT consulting, network infrastructure, and bespoke software development.
- Planned and built custom PC systems and delivered IT consulting for private and corporate clients
- Developed bespoke software solutions in the areas of security and networking
- Planned and built corporate networks and installed and configured servers (Wintel and Linux)
- Delivered audio and video installations as well as corporate design services — 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 and designed digital and print communications.
- Delivered application and system support for Windows and Mac; installed and maintained workstations, peripherals, networks, and communication devices
- Received, pre-analysed, and advised on fault reports
- Conducted software training in business and photo applications
- Maintained system documentation for all managed systems
- Designed websites, newsletters, and print materials for corporate clients; supported the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Temporary assignment in the administrative function of international law firm Baker & McKenzie.
- Filed and archived business-critical documents
- Managed email archiving
- Performed 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