diff --git a/sd/source/ui/framework/module/NotesPaneModule.hxx b/sd/source/ui/framework/module/NotesPaneModule.hxx
index 69a74acbdf0c..229b61e71a89 100644
--- a/sd/source/ui/framework/module/NotesPaneModule.hxx
+++ b/sd/source/ui/framework/module/NotesPaneModule.hxx
@@ -73,7 +73,7 @@ private:
 
     std::set<OUString> maActiveMainViewContainer;
     OUString msCurrentMainViewURL;
-    ViewShellBase* mpViewShellBase;
+    ViewShellBase* mpViewShellBase = nullptr;
     bool mbListeningEventMultiplexer = false;
     bool mbInMasterEditMode = false;