The coffee giant recently asked a number of agencies for ideas "to move the brand forward". This prompted Wieden + Kennedy, its creative and media agency of record since 2004, to part company with the retail coffee giant.
An idea put forward by BBDO to launch a massive trialing effort around the November 4 US presidential elections and give a free cup of coffee to voters on polling day, was taken up by Starbucks.
The appointment is a boost for the agency after the loss of its $60m Pepsi and Diet Pepsi account last week after 48 years.
Terry Davenport, senior vice-president and chief marketing officer at Starbucks, said: "Already, we have seen an indication of the kind of fresh thinking, new energy and strong sense of partnership BBDO brings to the brand.
"The recent Election Day coffee offer was BBDO's idea and it helped generate enormous attention for the brand, drive traffic to our stores, and remind everyone that the connection between Starbucks and its customers is bigger than coffee."
BBDO's first work focusing on the brand is expected to appear next year.