Marcel Rapold
IT Project Lead | Digital Platforms & AI Automation | EMBA
Zürich, Switzerland
IT Project Lead at Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV, responsible for the evolution of zvv.ch and strategic digital platform initiatives including AI-enabled automation and major integrations such as SwissPass and NOVA. Co-Founder of ALPA.one, specialising in Bitcoin and Lightning Network infrastructure, with parallel activity as lecturer and board member in the Swiss Bitcoin ecosystem. Holds an EMBA from HWZ and a MAS in Digital Business.
Professional Experience
Jan 2022
Information Technology Project Lead
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Leading digital platform initiatives, strategic IT projects and AI-enabled automation within ZVV.
- Responsible for the evolution of zvv.ch as ZVV's central digital customer interface, covering architecture, hosting, release management and quality assurance
- Contributed to major platform integrations including SwissPass login and the national NOVA public transport platform
- Co-responsible for digital services across web, mobile, ticket shop and customer account touchpoints
- Prepared procurement-related decision bases and supplier evaluations
- Coordinated external development partners and AI-enabled workflow automation initiatives
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business IT alignment and application ownership across web and eTicketing domains at ZVV.
- Business IT alignment for internal synchronisation of process and service management
- Implementation of strategic requirements regarding IT risk, security and architecture management
- Product owner role for zvv.ch: demand clarification, conception, coordination of development through to testing
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for successful onboarding of new customers; defined and measured KPIs for implemented changes
- Applied PDCA and value stream mapping to optimise process flows
- Technical project manager for eTicketing: architecture, security, operational requirements, test management and performance monitoring
Mar 2018
Co-Founder | Information Officer
ALPA.one
Co-founded ALPA.one, a Bitcoin- and Lightning Network-focused venture offering node deployment, payment systems and custom Lightning workflows.
- Specialises in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, offering Lightning Network Node Deployment, Lightning Payment Systems and Custom Lightning Workflows
- Focuses on enabling seamless digital transactions through decentralised infrastructure
- Active in the broader Swiss Bitcoin ecosystem including speaking engagements and education
May 2025 – May 2025
Lecturer for Bitcoin & Lightning Network
HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Taught the Lightning Network module in the CAS Bitcoin Economy, described as Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive program.
- Delivered the Lightning Network module covering why Bitcoin Layer 1 does not scale and how Lightning enables instant payments without compromising sovereignty
- Covered real-world wallets, nodes and routing markets in practice
- Conducted a hands-on session with LNHunt, a gamified Lightning scavenger hunt
- Included a future outlook on NOSTR, Taproot Assets and related developments
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of the Bitcoin Association Switzerland, a hub for Bitcoin education, legal advocacy and media liaison.
- Contributed to advancing Bitcoin adoption in Switzerland through public education initiatives
- Engaged in addressing legal challenges related to Bitcoin in the Swiss context
- Served as a media liaison for the Bitcoin ecosystem
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Digital strategy and ICT solution consulting for corporate clients at Tele Locher.
- Planning and execution of a digital multi-channel strategy
- Supported operative business in integration of sophisticated Smart Home solutions
- Planning and implementation of ICT multimedia solutions for corporate clients
Jan 2014 – Apr 2016
Head of Web Development
WebComTV
Led web development projects end-to-end across project management, requirements engineering, architecture and full-stack implementation.
- Project management using agile and waterfall methods; prepared structural planning, cost estimates, schedules and risk registers
- Business analysis for complex customer projects: specifications with clearly defined functional and non-functional acceptance criteria
- Object-oriented analysis and design using UML; created ERM, class and sequence diagrams
- Front-end implementation using HTML5, Bootstrap, jQuery and CSS3; back-end development in PHP and JavaScript
- SQL database modelling and implementation; CMS module programming for Contao, Typo3 and WordPress
- Key account management: requirements capture, solution presentations, offer preparation and social media concept development
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Application development and digital infrastructure support for websites, iPad and Facebook applications in a film production environment.
- Development of websites, iPad and Facebook applications across the full SW lifecycle: requirements capture, design, implementation, testing and documentation
- Definition of new features with customers and their implementation
- Post-production workflow creation and optimisation in film production
- Workflow optimisations in data storage, data processing and data archiving (D-IT data security and integrity)
- Technical planning and installation of LiveStreaming events including integration into web applications
- Installation and configuration of NAS backup infrastructure; support of internal SAN network and tape library outsourcing
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Managed the service centre with responsibility for IT consulting, network development and multimedia installations for private and corporate clients.
- Planning and construction of individual PC systems; IT consulting for private and corporate clients
- Development of customer-specific software solutions in security and network domains
- Planning and development of company networks; installation and configuration of servers (Wintel, Linux)
- Audio and video installations
- Corporate design work including logos, business cards, signatures and web pages
- Planning, conception and realisation of the Tele Locher AG company website
May 2007 – Aug 2008
Service & Support Agent
Mister Q AG
Application and system support for Windows and Mac environments, with additional responsibilities in marketing and customer training.
- Application and system support (Windows and Mac); installation and maintenance of workstations, peripherals, networks and communication devices
- Receipt, preliminary analysis and advice on fault messages
- Software training in business and photo software
- Maintenance of system documentation
- Design of websites, newsletters and print products for corporate customers
- Support in the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Short-term administrative assignment at Baker & McKenzie Zurich.
- Filing and archiving of business-relevant documents
- E-mail archiving
- General administrative office work
Jan 2022
Information Technology Project Lead
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Leading digital platform initiatives, strategic IT projects and AI-enabled automation within ZVV.
- Responsible for the evolution of zvv.ch as ZVV's central digital customer interface, covering architecture, hosting, release management and quality assurance
- Contributed to major platform integrations including SwissPass login and the national NOVA public transport platform
- Co-responsible for digital services across web, mobile, ticket shop and customer account touchpoints
- Prepared procurement-related decision bases and supplier evaluations
- Coordinated external development partners and AI-enabled workflow automation initiatives
Jun 2016 – Dec 2021
Information Technology Application Manager
Zürcher Verkehrsverbund ZVV
Business IT alignment and application ownership across web and eTicketing domains at ZVV.
- Business IT alignment for internal synchronisation of process and service management
- Implementation of strategic requirements regarding IT risk, security and architecture management
- Product owner role for zvv.ch: demand clarification, conception, coordination of development through to testing
- Developed a customer-centricity strategy for successful onboarding of new customers; defined and measured KPIs for implemented changes
- Applied PDCA and value stream mapping to optimise process flows
- Technical project manager for eTicketing: architecture, security, operational requirements, test management and performance monitoring
Mar 2018
Co-Founder | Information Officer
ALPA.one
Co-founded ALPA.one, a Bitcoin- and Lightning Network-focused venture offering node deployment, payment systems and custom Lightning workflows.
- Specialises in Bitcoin and the Lightning Network, offering Lightning Network Node Deployment, Lightning Payment Systems and Custom Lightning Workflows
- Focuses on enabling seamless digital transactions through decentralised infrastructure
- Active in the broader Swiss Bitcoin ecosystem including speaking engagements and education
May 2025 – May 2025
Lecturer for Bitcoin & Lightning Network
HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Taught the Lightning Network module in the CAS Bitcoin Economy, described as Europe's first Bitcoin-only executive program.
- Delivered the Lightning Network module covering why Bitcoin Layer 1 does not scale and how Lightning enables instant payments without compromising sovereignty
- Covered real-world wallets, nodes and routing markets in practice
- Conducted a hands-on session with LNHunt, a gamified Lightning scavenger hunt
- Included a future outlook on NOSTR, Taproot Assets and related developments
Nov 2023 – Oct 2024
Board Member
Bitcoin Association Switzerland
Board member of the Bitcoin Association Switzerland, a hub for Bitcoin education, legal advocacy and media liaison.
- Contributed to advancing Bitcoin adoption in Switzerland through public education initiatives
- Engaged in addressing legal challenges related to Bitcoin in the Swiss context
- Served as a media liaison for the Bitcoin ecosystem
Jan 2019 – Dec 2021
Digital Innovation Consultant
Tele Locher
Digital strategy and ICT solution consulting for corporate clients at Tele Locher.
- Planning and execution of a digital multi-channel strategy
- Supported operative business in integration of sophisticated Smart Home solutions
- Planning and implementation of ICT multimedia solutions for corporate clients
Jan 2014 – Apr 2016
Head of Web Development
WebComTV
Led web development projects end-to-end across project management, requirements engineering, architecture and full-stack implementation.
- Project management using agile and waterfall methods; prepared structural planning, cost estimates, schedules and risk registers
- Business analysis for complex customer projects: specifications with clearly defined functional and non-functional acceptance criteria
- Object-oriented analysis and design using UML; created ERM, class and sequence diagrams
- Front-end implementation using HTML5, Bootstrap, jQuery and CSS3; back-end development in PHP and JavaScript
- SQL database modelling and implementation; CMS module programming for Contao, Typo3 and WordPress
- Key account management: requirements capture, solution presentations, offer preparation and social media concept development
Jun 2010 – Dec 2013
Application Developer
Signorell GmbH
Application development and digital infrastructure support for websites, iPad and Facebook applications in a film production environment.
- Development of websites, iPad and Facebook applications across the full SW lifecycle: requirements capture, design, implementation, testing and documentation
- Definition of new features with customers and their implementation
- Post-production workflow creation and optimisation in film production
- Workflow optimisations in data storage, data processing and data archiving (D-IT data security and integrity)
- Technical planning and installation of LiveStreaming events including integration into web applications
- Installation and configuration of NAS backup infrastructure; support of internal SAN network and tape library outsourcing
Jan 2007 – Jun 2010
Service Center Manager
Tele Locher
Managed the service centre with responsibility for IT consulting, network development and multimedia installations for private and corporate clients.
- Planning and construction of individual PC systems; IT consulting for private and corporate clients
- Development of customer-specific software solutions in security and network domains
- Planning and development of company networks; installation and configuration of servers (Wintel, Linux)
- Audio and video installations
- Corporate design work including logos, business cards, signatures and web pages
- Planning, conception and realisation of the Tele Locher AG company website
May 2007 – Aug 2008
Service & Support Agent
Mister Q AG
Application and system support for Windows and Mac environments, with additional responsibilities in marketing and customer training.
- Application and system support (Windows and Mac); installation and maintenance of workstations, peripherals, networks and communication devices
- Receipt, preliminary analysis and advice on fault messages
- Software training in business and photo software
- Maintenance of system documentation
- Design of websites, newsletters and print products for corporate customers
- Support in the marketing department
Jun 2006 – Aug 2006
Temporary Position
Baker & McKenzie Zurich
Short-term administrative assignment at Baker & McKenzie Zurich.
- Filing and archiving of business-relevant documents
- E-mail archiving
- General administrative office work
Education
EMBA — Executive Master of Business Administration in Management · in Management
Oct 2024 – May 2025HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland · Six strategic clusters: Dealing with the Unknown Future, Utilizing New Technologies, Crafting Strategic Power, Developing Organizational Capabilities, Strengthening Leadership, Outperforming in Marketing & CRM.
HWZ International Management Program · in Strategy & Leadership
Mar 2025 – Mar 2025University of Virginia Darden School of Business
Charlottesville, VA, USA · Intensive case-based program covering strategic challenges of globally leading companies including Porsche, Netflix, Unilever and Merck.
Master of Advanced Studies in Digital Business · in Digital Business
Jan 2018 – Oct 2021HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland · Strategic design of digital transformations at company and leadership level.
Certificate of Advanced Studies in Digital Finance · in Digital Finance / Blockchain
Jan 2019 – Nov 2019HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland · Focus on blockchain-based innovations and their potential to transform financial value chains.
Certificate of Advanced Studies in Digital Leadership · in Digital Leadership
Jan 2018 – Feb 2019HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland · Competencies in platform strategies, digital business models, agile organisations, data thinking and transformation leadership.
Certificate of Advanced Studies in Disruptive Technologies · in Technology Strategy & Innovation
Jan 2017 – Feb 2018HWZ Hochschule für Wirtschaft Zürich
Zürich, Switzerland · Topics: Big Data, Data Science, Swarm Intelligence, Digital Security, Wearable Technologies, Quantum Computing, 3D Printing, Innovation and Creativity Management.
Business Data Processing Specialist with Bachelor Degree (dipl. Wirtschaftsinformatiker HF) · in Business Informatics
Jan 2013 – Jan 2016ipso Bildung
Zürich, Switzerland · Analysis, design and implementation of digital solutions along operational business processes (marketing, production, HR, sales).
Certifications
Certified Crypto Finance Expert (CCFE)
CCFE — Certified Crypto Finance Expert
IBAE Business Analyst
International Business Analyst Education
IREB Requirements Engineering
IREB GmbH
Business English Certificate B2
Cambridge Assessment English
Cloud Computing
EXIN
Win11 & Office 365 — Basisschulung für Anwender (ZVV enterprise rollout)
Digicomp Academy
Compliance eLearning für Kader- und Führungskräfte
Volkswirtschaftsdirektion Kanton Zürich
Projektmanagement: Planung und Strukturierung
Projektmanagement: Initiierung und Setup
Einführung ins Projektmanagement
Berufsbild: Projektmanagement
Digital Transformation
Digitale Transformation im Unternehmen
Blockchain Basics
Grundlagen der Programmierung: Agile Softwareentwicklung Grundkurs
Becoming a Thought Leader
Konfliktgespräche richtig führen
Reden, Vortrag, Präsentation: Die magische erste Minute
Das 80/20-Prinzip
GoodHabitz
Leadership
GoodHabitz