In 1131, his uncle, Asser (Asger), the first Archbishop of Lund, nominated him provost of the cathedral. In 1134 he was consecrated Bishop of Roskilde, and after Asser's death (1137) succeeded him as archbishop. He successfully defended the metropolitan rights of his see in spite of the protestations of the archbishop of Bremen.
In 1131, his uncle, Asser (Asger), the first Archbishop of Lund, appointed him provost of the cathedral. In 1134 he was consecrated Bishop of Roskilde and after Asser's death in 1137, he became archbishop. He successfully defended the rights of his see against the claims of the archbishop of Bremen.