White Wave founder Steve Demos, who turned soybeans into a multimillion-dollar business and convinced consumers nationwide to give soymilk a try, has left the company in the hands of its corporate parent.

Dean Foods Co. announced that Demos resigned as president of WhiteWave Foods to pursue other interests. Dean Foods chief executive Gregg Engles will lead WhiteWave on an interim basis. The company includes WhiteWave Inc., Horizon Organic Dairy and Dean National Branded Group.