Marcel Rapold
ICT Project Lead & AI Product Manager | Digital Platforms | Bitcoin & Lightning Network | EMBA
Erlenbach (Zürich), Schweiz
ICT Project Lead and AI Product Manager with nearly ten years of experience driving digital transformation in public transportation, combined with deep expertise in Bitcoin and Lightning Network ecosystems. At ZVV, he owns end-to-end platform operations, AI-powered automation initiatives, and the full web and mobile portfolio. Simultaneously, he co-founded ALPA.one and serves as a lecturer for Bitcoin & Lightning at HWZ. He brings together technical depth in cloud infrastructure, agile methodologies, and platform strategy with an entrepreneurial bias for action and a sharp focus on scalable, decentralised systems.
Professional Experience
Jan 2022
Information Technology Project Manager / Acting ICT Project Lead – AI Product & Platform
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Serving as Acting ICT Project Lead, he drives the end-to-end evolution of the zvv.ch digital platform, leads AI-powered automation initiatives, and owns the full web and mobile portfolio for ZVV.
- Owns platform strategy, IT architecture, hosting, and test management for zvv.ch as the primary customer-facing interface, with a focus on usability, security, and long-term scalability
- Designs and implements AI-driven automation workflows to optimise internal processes and enhance the customer experience
- Defines and delivers MVPs and proofs of concept using low-code and scalable solutions for both internal processes and external customer interfaces (Dev/Ops maturity)
- Acts as single point of contact for external development partners, steering complex, cross-functional projects with a consistent focus on quality assurance
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Owned business-IT alignment, stakeholder management, and full budget and contract responsibility for the operation and continuous development of zvv.ch and the eTicketing system.
- Led the Product Owner role for zvv.ch across the full lifecycle — from requirements definition and conceptual design through to testing — with measurable KPIs tied to every implemented change
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy to drive successful client onboarding and introduced PDCA and Value Stream Mapping methodologies to systematically improve processes
- Owned technical project management for the eTicketing system, including architecture, security, and test management (concept development, test coordination, and supplier-level debugging)
- Translated strategic IT requirements in risk management, security, and architecture into delivery, working in close alignment with internal stakeholders
Mar 2018
Co-Founder & Information Officer
ALPA.one
Co-founder and Information Officer of ALPA.one, a company specialising in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, offering services in node deployment, Lightning payment systems, and custom Lightning workflows.
- Builds and operates Lightning Network nodes and architects bespoke Lightning payment workflows for enterprise clients
- Positions ALPA.one as a centre of competence for Bitcoin-native infrastructure and decentralised digital transaction solutions
- Combines deep technical Bitcoin expertise with entrepreneurial leadership since March 2018
May 2025 – May 2025
Lecturer – Bitcoin & Lightning Network
HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Delivered the Lightning Network module within Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive programme (CAS Bitcoin Economy, HWZ), in a hands-on, practice-oriented format.
- Equipped participants with a thorough understanding of Bitcoin Layer 1 scaling constraints and the mechanics of Lightning for instant payments without loss of sovereignty
- Designed and facilitated LNHunt — a gamified Lightning scavenger hunt as an immersive, practical learning unit
- Provided forward-looking perspectives on emerging protocols including NOSTR and Taproot Assets, and their significance for the broader Bitcoin ecosystem
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Served as a board member representing the interests of the Bitcoin community in Switzerland, with a focus on public outreach, legal challenges, and Bitcoin adoption.
- Championed public education on Bitcoin and actively advanced the development of a robust Bitcoin ecosystem in Switzerland
- Acted as a media spokesperson and co-shaped the Association's positioning vis-à-vis regulatory and societal stakeholders
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Conceived and delivered a digital multi-channel strategy while supporting core business operations in the integration of smart home and ICT multimedia solutions for enterprise clients.
- Developed and implemented a digital multi-channel strategy for the organisation
- Guided the integration of complex smart home solutions into existing enterprise infrastructures
- Planned and delivered ICT multimedia solutions for business clients
Jan 2014 – Apr 2016
Head of Web Development
WebComTV
Leitete Web-Development-Projekte von der Anforderungsanalyse bis zur Abnahme und verantwortete Key Account Management sowie Requirements Engineering für komplexe Kundenprojekte.
- Steuerte Projekte nach agilen und Wasserfall-Methoden inkl. Strukturplanung, Kostenschätzung, Ressourcen- und Finanzplanung
- Erstellte Spezifikationen (Anwendungs- und Systemarchitektur, SW-Anforderungen) und Prototypen mit objektorientierter Analyse und UML
- Entwickelte Frontend-Implementierungen mit HTML5, Bootstrap, jQuery, CSS3, JavaScript und PHP sowie CMS-Module für Contao, Typo3 und WordPress
- Führte vollständige Testzyklen durch: Modul-, Integrations-, System- und Kundenabnahmetests
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Entwickelte Websites sowie iPad- und Facebook-Applikationen über den vollständigen SW-Lifecycle und verantwortete zusätzlich IT-Infrastruktur, LiveStreaming-Events und Datensicherheit in der Filmproduktion.
- Realisierte den gesamten SW-Lifecycle: Anforderungsaufnahme, Design, Implementierung, Testing und Dokumentation für Web- und App-Projekte
- Plante und installierte LiveStreaming-Events technisch und integrierte diese in Web-Applikationen
- Verantwortete Post-Production-Workflows, NAS-Backup-Infrastruktur und SAN-Netzwerkunterstützung inkl. Datensicherheit und -integrität (D-IT)
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Leitete das Service Center mit Verantwortung für individuelle PC-Systeme, Firmennetzwerke, Server-Konfiguration und IT-Beratung für Privat- und Geschäftskunden.
- Plante und baute individuelle PC-Systeme sowie kundenspezifische Unternehmensnetzwerke (Planung, Installation, Konfiguration)
- Installierte und konfigurierte Server (Wintel, Linux) und entwickelte sicherheitsspezifische Softwarelösungen
- Konzipierte und realisierte den Unternehmenswebauftritt von Tele Locher AG
Jan 2022
Information Technology Project Manager / Acting ICT Project Lead – AI Product & Platform
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Serving as Acting ICT Project Lead, he drives the end-to-end evolution of the zvv.ch digital platform, leads AI-powered automation initiatives, and owns the full web and mobile portfolio for ZVV.
- Owns platform strategy, IT architecture, hosting, and test management for zvv.ch as the primary customer-facing interface, with a focus on usability, security, and long-term scalability
- Designs and implements AI-driven automation workflows to optimise internal processes and enhance the customer experience
- Defines and delivers MVPs and proofs of concept using low-code and scalable solutions for both internal processes and external customer interfaces (Dev/Ops maturity)
- Acts as single point of contact for external development partners, steering complex, cross-functional projects with a consistent focus on quality assurance
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Owned business-IT alignment, stakeholder management, and full budget and contract responsibility for the operation and continuous development of zvv.ch and the eTicketing system.
- Led the Product Owner role for zvv.ch across the full lifecycle — from requirements definition and conceptual design through to testing — with measurable KPIs tied to every implemented change
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy to drive successful client onboarding and introduced PDCA and Value Stream Mapping methodologies to systematically improve processes
- Owned technical project management for the eTicketing system, including architecture, security, and test management (concept development, test coordination, and supplier-level debugging)
- Translated strategic IT requirements in risk management, security, and architecture into delivery, working in close alignment with internal stakeholders
Mar 2018
Co-Founder & Information Officer
ALPA.one
Co-founder and Information Officer of ALPA.one, a company specialising in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, offering services in node deployment, Lightning payment systems, and custom Lightning workflows.
- Builds and operates Lightning Network nodes and architects bespoke Lightning payment workflows for enterprise clients
- Positions ALPA.one as a centre of competence for Bitcoin-native infrastructure and decentralised digital transaction solutions
- Combines deep technical Bitcoin expertise with entrepreneurial leadership since March 2018
May 2025 – May 2025
Lecturer – Bitcoin & Lightning Network
HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Delivered the Lightning Network module within Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive programme (CAS Bitcoin Economy, HWZ), in a hands-on, practice-oriented format.
- Equipped participants with a thorough understanding of Bitcoin Layer 1 scaling constraints and the mechanics of Lightning for instant payments without loss of sovereignty
- Designed and facilitated LNHunt — a gamified Lightning scavenger hunt as an immersive, practical learning unit
- Provided forward-looking perspectives on emerging protocols including NOSTR and Taproot Assets, and their significance for the broader Bitcoin ecosystem
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Served as a board member representing the interests of the Bitcoin community in Switzerland, with a focus on public outreach, legal challenges, and Bitcoin adoption.
- Championed public education on Bitcoin and actively advanced the development of a robust Bitcoin ecosystem in Switzerland
- Acted as a media spokesperson and co-shaped the Association's positioning vis-à-vis regulatory and societal stakeholders
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Conceived and delivered a digital multi-channel strategy while supporting core business operations in the integration of smart home and ICT multimedia solutions for enterprise clients.
- Developed and implemented a digital multi-channel strategy for the organisation
- Guided the integration of complex smart home solutions into existing enterprise infrastructures
- Planned and delivered ICT multimedia solutions for business clients
Jan 2014 – Apr 2016
Head of Web Development
WebComTV
Leitete Web-Development-Projekte von der Anforderungsanalyse bis zur Abnahme und verantwortete Key Account Management sowie Requirements Engineering für komplexe Kundenprojekte.
- Steuerte Projekte nach agilen und Wasserfall-Methoden inkl. Strukturplanung, Kostenschätzung, Ressourcen- und Finanzplanung
- Erstellte Spezifikationen (Anwendungs- und Systemarchitektur, SW-Anforderungen) und Prototypen mit objektorientierter Analyse und UML
- Entwickelte Frontend-Implementierungen mit HTML5, Bootstrap, jQuery, CSS3, JavaScript und PHP sowie CMS-Module für Contao, Typo3 und WordPress
- Führte vollständige Testzyklen durch: Modul-, Integrations-, System- und Kundenabnahmetests
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Entwickelte Websites sowie iPad- und Facebook-Applikationen über den vollständigen SW-Lifecycle und verantwortete zusätzlich IT-Infrastruktur, LiveStreaming-Events und Datensicherheit in der Filmproduktion.
- Realisierte den gesamten SW-Lifecycle: Anforderungsaufnahme, Design, Implementierung, Testing und Dokumentation für Web- und App-Projekte
- Plante und installierte LiveStreaming-Events technisch und integrierte diese in Web-Applikationen
- Verantwortete Post-Production-Workflows, NAS-Backup-Infrastruktur und SAN-Netzwerkunterstützung inkl. Datensicherheit und -integrität (D-IT)
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Leitete das Service Center mit Verantwortung für individuelle PC-Systeme, Firmennetzwerke, Server-Konfiguration und IT-Beratung für Privat- und Geschäftskunden.
- Plante und baute individuelle PC-Systeme sowie kundenspezifische Unternehmensnetzwerke (Planung, Installation, Konfiguration)
- Installierte und konfigurierte Server (Wintel, Linux) und entwickelte sicherheitsspezifische Softwarelösungen
- Konzipierte und realisierte den Unternehmenswebauftritt von Tele Locher AG
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