According to Reuters , Valeant is looking to appoint an interim chief to replace CEO Mike Pearson who remains hospitalized with a severe case of pneumonia: Valeant Pharmaceuticals International Inc is looking to appoint an interim chief executive officer to replace Michael Pearson as he recovers from a severe case of pneumonia, a source familiar with the matter told Reuters. The source did not clarify whether the CEO would be temporary or would replace Pearson permanently.