LOS ANGELES — Two of the film industry’s fiercest competitors, Walt Disney Studios and Universal Pictures, each made moves to strengthen themselves on Wednesday.

Alan F. Horn, 76, the chairman of Disney’s movie division, which includes Marvel, Pixar, Lucasfilm and 20th Century Fox, agreed to extend his contract for an unspecified number of years as part of an arrangement that adds a title — chief creative officer — and a partner. Alan Bergman, 53, who has been president of Disney’s movie operation since 2005, was promoted to co-chairman.

They will both report to Robert A. Iger, chief executive of the Walt Disney Company, who said the new leadership structure ensured that “we remain focused on creating extraordinary entertainment experiences for audiences around the world.” Disney’s most recent movie, “Avengers: Endgame,” arrived with a record-breaking $1.2 billion in global ticket sales last weekend.

Mr. Bergman’s promotion positions him as a possible successor to Mr. Horn and reflects the added responsibilities that have arisen from Disney’s purchase of 21st Century Fox assets. That $71.3 billion deal, which closed in March, added a great deal to Mr. Horn’s portfolio, including big-budget Fox movies like the coming “Avatar” sequels, art-house films made by Fox Searchlight and an animation studio.