well, he tried to become an AP in epge and puc rio but was unable toHe wasn't unable, he's Chicago PhD.. back in his time in Brazil this meant instant access to the best departments.I'm not even saying he has a good research output, I'm just saying this wasn't required in Brazil back then. He just didn't want to commit and preferred to pursue money
well, it's impossible to know his true motivations unless you are close to him. But if you read his interviews and profiles made by journalists that talked to him, it becomes somewhat clear that he did wanted to become a professor, and he blames some kind of conspiracy against him. He even went to Chile as an AP! This story that he never wanted it and just preferred money seems like a personal post-failure excuse. And do note that I'm not saying academia is strictly better or more honorable than the market/industry. But he wanted academia and couldn't go.
provide sources